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Today’s missionary hero is a Spaniard who lived in the 19thand 20thCenturies. His name was Benito.
Benito Solana Ruiz was born on February 17, 1882 in Cintruénigo, Navarra, Spain. His father was the carpenter of the village.
Although his parents were not supportive of his desire to enter the Religious life, he entered the Passionist Order in Daimiel, Spain. Unfortunately, Benito was not a very good student, and he had trouble with his seminary studies. Therefore, he became a Passionist Brother instead of a priest. In Religious life, he had the name Benito of the Virgin of Villar.
In the Order, he held many jobs. In Daimiel, Spain, for example, he served as a cook and tailor. In 1919, he went to Cuba and served as a porter and tailor in the Passionist house in Santa Clara. In 1922, his superiors assigned him to the part of Mexico City called Tacubaya.
In those days, however, Mexico was in the throes of an anti-Catholic movement that came to be known as the Cristero War. For his safety, Brother Benito was sent back to Daimiel, Spain. Following a brief time in Daimiel, Benito began nursing the sick in Zaragoza, Spain.
As a Passionist Brother, Benito was known for his humility, charity and patience especially when nursing sick patients.
On July 25, 1936, Benito was shot to death in Urdá, Toledo, Spain, a victim of the Spanish Civil War.
Pope St. John Paul II beatified Benito on October 1, 1989.Blessed Benito Solana Ruiz’ feast day is July 25th.
