José Fenollosa Alcayna was born on 16 March 1903 in Rafelbunyol, in the province of Valencia, Spain, into a humble farming family. Drawn early to the priesthood, he entered the seminary college in Valencia and later continued his formation at the College of the Presentation. He was ordained a priest in 1926. After ordination he completed a doctorate in theology and was appointed a canon of the collegiate church of Saint Bartholomew.
When the Spanish Civil War broke out and fierce anti-Catholic persecution swept the region, Father José was arrested on 23 August 1936. Released for a time, he took refuge with other priests, hiding in the dome of a church. After eight days he was discovered, re-arrested, and compelled to perform heavy forced labor. On 27 September 1936 he was taken with seventeen other prisoners to the cemetery of Sagunto and executed by firing squad for his priesthood and fidelity to Christ.
Pope John Paul II beatified him on 11 March 2001 together with Blessed José Aparicio Sanz and 232 companions, martyrs of the Valencia persecution. The Church keeps his memory on 27 September.
May Blessed José Fenollosa Alcayna intercede for us, and may we imitate today his courageous fidelity to the priesthood even unto death.
