Three days ago, we posted news of the beatification — this coming Saturday — of the Catalan Carlist, Antonio Tort Reixach.
The Carlist publication we linked to, La Esperanza, has published part two of the brief but very uplifting account of his life.
Here are the opening paragraphs of the piece:
Mercedes Tort, one of Antonio’s daughters —later a religious sister of the Little Sisters of the Assumption— recalled the moment her father, uncle, and Bishop Dr. Manuel Irurita were arrested. It was Tuesday, December 1, 1936, the Feast of Saint Eloy, patron of jewelers, Antonio’s profession.
“It happened shortly after lunch, around three in the afternoon. The doorbell rang, and I went to answer. They came in quickly – there were seven of them. They searched the house and gathered us all in the dining room. Yes, Marcos Goñi Almandoz and the bishop were cousins. The patrol [the legalized Control Patrol No. 11 of Pueblo Nuevo] had its headquarters at 360 Pedro IV Street. They found a list of a pilgrimage to Montserrat with my name on it – I was 18 years old.”
Antonio bid farewell to his wife María, his parents Jaime and Anita, and his children, assuring them that he was going to Heaven and that Divine Providence would never fail them. His parting words were: “Digueu: Sagrat Cor de Jesús, en Vós confio [Say, ‘Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.’]” Antonio added, “Adeusiau, fins al Cel… No en tocaran un cabell del cap que Déu no ho vulgui. No tingueu por, la Providencia no us abandonarà [Goodbye, until Heaven… Not a hair on our heads will be touched without God’s Will. Do not be afraid; Providence will not abandon you.]” When Mercedes, who was also detained, said, “Papá, ens porten a matar [Papa, they are taking us to be killed,]” Antonio replied, “Ens porten al Cel [They are taking us to Heaven.]” One of the revolutionaries interjected, “We’re taking you to Heaven?” Antonio responded, “Yes, you are taking us to Heaven if you kill us. For that, we bear no grudge against you. We forgive you and pray to God for you and your families.”
