Exploring the Martyrs and the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Recently, a thought-provoking event took place on May 3rd at the Cerro de los Ángeles in Madrid. This event, titled “The Martyrs and the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” brought together individuals to delve into the significance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the martyrs, and the Cerro de los Ángeles.
The gathering, hosted at the Seminary, aimed to showcase how “the martyrs serve as a guiding light leading us towards Jesus Christ. They embody virtues that we, as Catholics, should not only be aware of but also strive to emulate.”
During the opening remarks, Father Manuel Vargas, the Vicar for the Cerro de los Ángeles, emphasized the pivotal role that the Cerro de los Ángeles plays as the Spiritual Center of Spain. He also underscored how the martyrs, along with all the saints, continue to serve as invaluable resources for evangelization efforts.
The event kicked off with a captivating presentation by Martín Ibarra, a historian and president of the Association of Friends of the Martyrs of Barbastro-Monzón. His talk, titled “The Hill of the Angels and the Servant of God Pedro Justo Dorado Dellmáns,” shed light on the life of Pedro Justo, one of the five martyrs of the Hill of the Angels who are currently on the path to beatification. Ibarra recounted the story of this brave individual who, in the face of adversity, stood firm in his faith and devotion to the Sacred Heart.
Next, Juan Manuel Rossi, IVE, a priest from the parish of Our Lady of the Angels in Getafe, delved into the profound connection between the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the spirituality of martyrdom. He highlighted the selfless act of martyrdom as the ultimate demonstration of love and charity, urging individuals to be prepared to stand up for their beliefs in the face of adversity.
The event concluded with a riveting roundtable discussion, “A Martyr in My Family and in My Community,” moderated by Fernando del Moral Acha. Participants shared personal anecdotes about how the martyrs had influenced their spiritual journeys and touched the lives of those around them.
As the day drew to a close, a Mass was held in the Basilica followed by private prayer in the confessional chapel where the bodies of the five martyrs of Cerro de los Ángeles rest.
This remarkable day, organized by the Association of Friends of the Martyrs of Barbastro-Monzón (AMABAM) in collaboration with the Vicariate for Cerro de los Ángeles of the Diocese of Madrid-Getafe, was a resounding success. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, including a Martyr’s Day in Zaragoza on June 23rd and the 13th Martyr’s Day in Seville from October 17th to 19th, focusing on “The Martyrs, Witnesses of Hope.”
