Barcellona (Spain). On 11 March 2026, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from the communities of Catalonia—together with their Provincial, María Rosario Ten Soriano, and the Council of Mary Help of Christians Province (SPA), as well as Salesians of Don Bosco, members of various groups of the Salesian Family, the leadership team of the Santa Dorotea School, the house personnel, and parishioners gathered in the chapel of the Santa Dorotea School in Barcelona-Sarriá to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beatification, marking the 90th anniversary of the death of Sister Carmen Moreno and Sister Amparo Carbonell, martyrs of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Father Xavier Brines and concelebrated by Father Jordi Latorre. In her opening remarks, the Provincial invited those present to learn about and give thanks for the lives of these Sisters, who bore witness to faith and charity during a difficult period in Spanish history.
The biblical readings, the hymns, and the intense participation of all helped to attune everyone to the story of the two Blesseds and to appreciate the strength of their dedication, even to martyrdom.
In his homily, starting from the question, “From where did these Sisters draw the strength to remain faithful, even to the point of generous self-giving?” Father Xavier Brines, affirming the significance of martyrdom for Christians, highlighted three characteristics of Sister Carmen and Sister Amparo:
“Fraternal charity. In a situation of immense peril, despite having the option to leave, they offer to stay behind to care for a sick sister. No one compels them. It is the supreme proof of love; the sacrifice of one’s life. Their testimony serves as an inspiration to us in the face of a world that does not believe in gratuitous love.
This charity is intimately linked to the witness of faith. They are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ, for their religious consecration, and for their fidelity, which remains steadfast. They do not conceal their identity. Their commitment encourages us in the environment that surrounds us.
The destiny of these Sisters was also communion, identification with Jesus Christ, who gave His life for all. Wherever the Master went, these disciples followed Him, accepting all the consequences, even to sacrifice. In short, “They gave their lives for love.”
The evening concluded with a time of greetings and conviviality among the participants in the celebration, and as is customary, a group photo at the feet of Mary Help of Christians.
The lives of Sister Carmen Moreno and Sister Amparo Carbonell – beatified by Saint John Paul II, together with 32 Salesian martyrs, on 11 March 2001 are two lives united by a love for God, a passion for Jesus Christ, and a dedication to the education and advancement of young women from the most vulnerable families of the early 20th century. In 2026, the SPA Province will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this beatification and the 90th anniversary of their martyrdom (6 September 1936) with a series of commemorative events.
Source: salesianas.org
