The Saint with Heart
In Carmel, today we celebrate the feast of the Carmelite martyrs of the Spanish Civil War. They were beatified in October 2007 among a group of 498 martyrs, the largest number of people beatified in a single ceremony in the history of the Church. Of those Carmelites, one stands out for me: Blessed Hermilo of St Elias. He was twenty-three years old, and had just been a month solemnly professed when he was shot in July 1936.
Here is a short biography in Spanish. Hermilo was born Pedro Ramon Rodriguez Calle on the 14th April 1913 in Valladolid, Spain. His father's work took them to Laguna de Duero where Pedro grew up. When he was nine his father died, leaving his mother in straitened circumstances. She returned to Valladolid in the hope of making a living to support her children. However, tragically, she was diagnosed with breast cancer less than a year after her husband's death. Anxious to find a place for her children, she brought them to a newly established institute for orphans. Three of the children went into the orphanage run by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul; a sister, Petra went to live with her uncles. A few months later, their mother died.
In 1925 the sisters sent Pedro to the Teresian College in Medina del Campo to continue his studies, and it was there that he discerned the call to the religious life, finding his spiritual home among the Discalced Carmelites who ran the college. On the 22nd July 1928, he was accepted into formation in the Order, and on the 13th August he began his novitiate, receiving the habit and new name, Br Hermilo of Saint Elias, on the 16th. He made his first profession on the 27th August 1929. As he was destined for the priesthood, he was sent to a number of colleges to pursue the various courses. He studied Philosophy in Avila, the hometown of his foundress, St Teresa of Avila, then in Toledo and in the University in Salamanca began his studies in theology. In 1934 he returned to Toledo for his second year of theology. While he was working hard in Toledo, he reached a crisis point spiritually. The crisis was severe and Hermilo suffered much, but thanks to the wisdom and care of his student master, the future Blessed, Fr Eusebio of the Child Jesus, Hermilo found peace and was strengthened in his faith. On the 29th June 1936 Hermilo reached his goal as a Carmelite when he made his Solemn Profession in Toledo. Now, after all he had suffered, he was a member of St Teresa's Order for life: his dear Fr Eusebio who had helped him through his crisis was now Prior of the community and joyfully approved Hermilo's advancing towards Solemn Vows. With this major milestone reached, he now began his preparation for major orders: he looked forward to being ordained deacon and then priest. Events, however, would overtake him.
With the outbreak of hostilities against the Church on the 21st July 1936, Fr Eusebio thought it prudent for the members of the community to go into hiding. Hermilo and two other brothers, Perfecto and Clement, took refuge in the home of Doña Cecilia Criado, whose son, Antonio, was a priest and Navy Chaplain, and was staying with her at this time. Hermilo and the others spent the night of the 21st July in prayer and spiritual talks. It was obvious to them that martyrdom lay ahead, and they encouraged each other. Each of them also went to confession to Fr Antonio in preparation. Given the dangers, the three Carmelites decided to go seek a safer refuge. Creeping up onto a terrace, they were spotted by a sniper and recognised: with the first shot Br Clement was killed outright. Despite their efforts to hide from a hail of bullets over a period of time, Hermilo and Perfecto were also shot dead. The Republicans came onto the roof and took the bodies down into the street where they discovered the brothers' scapulars. For three years, despite all efforts to erase them, the brothers' blood stains marked the roof. Hermilo's body was buried in a mass grave. In all, sixteen members of the community were martyred, including the prior, Fr Eusebio.
Hermilo is a most attractive figure. He did not have things easy, he suffered as he grew up, and then, when discerning his vocation, he endured a dark night which, I think, prepared him for his martyrdom. Some may say he never reached his goal - the priesthood - but he did offer a priestly sacrifice - a sacrifice in union with Jesus Christ our High Priest - he laid down his life for his Lord and for the faith. I think he has much to say to us in these times, and I hope and pray he will become a popular saint, especially among the young. If you are impressed with him, spread the word about him, and pray to him. I have found he has a tender heart and he looks out for those who invoke him: may you find a place in that heart too.
Prayer to Blessed Hermilo
Blessed Hermilo,
Pray for us who seek to do the will of God.
Give us the same courage you had
to lay down your life for Christ.
Stay with us, and teach us how to love God and Mary.
Bless us so we may imitate the humility of your life
and the joy of your sacrifice.
Dear brother in Christ, pray for me.