Leopold of Alpandeire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedLeopold of Alpandeire OFMCap |
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| Born | 24 June 1864 Alpandeire, Málaga, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | 9 February 1956 (aged 91) Granada, Francoist Spain |
| Beatified | 12 September 2010, Armilla Air Base, Armilla, Spain by Archbishop Angelo Amato |
| Feast | 9 February |
Leopold of Alpandeire (Spanish: Beato Leopoldo de Alpandeire) was a kind Spanish man who lived from 1864 to 1956. His birth name was Francisco Tomás de San Juan Bautista Márquez y Sánchez. He was a religious brother in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a group of Catholic friars.
Leopold was known for living a very simple and humble life. He was especially kind to people who were poor or in need. He spent most of his life in the city of Granada, Spain. People there still remember him as a great example of how to live a good Christian life.
His journey to becoming a saintly figure began in 1982. He was first called a Servant of God. Later, on March 15, 2008, he was named Venerable. This means his life was seen as very virtuous. Finally, on September 12, 2010, he was declared "Blessed" in a special ceremony called a beatification. Archbishop Angelo Amato led this ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI.
Leopold's Life Story
His Early Years
Francisco Tomás de San Juan Bautista Márquez y Sánchez was born on June 24, 1864. He grew up in Alpandeire, Spain, a small village in southern Spain. He was baptized a few days later, on June 29, 1864.
His parents, Diego Márquez y Ayala and Jerónima Sánchez y Jiménez, were hard-working farmers. Francisco was the oldest of their four children. He had two younger brothers, Diego and Juan Miguel, and a sister named María Teresa.
Becoming a Friar
Francisco decided he wanted to join a religious order in 1894. He was 30 years old at the time. This decision came after he saw a Capuchin friar giving a sermon in the city of Ronda. He later said that the quiet and simple way of life of these friars really impressed him. He felt drawn to the idea of serving God by living a similar life.
Even though he told the Capuchin friars in Ronda about his wish, it took five more years for him to join their order. After a few tries, he finally joined in 1899. He started as a postulant at the Capuchin friary in Seville. In 1900, he officially entered the novitiate and received his new religious name, Leopold.
Life in Granada
Leopold was assigned to different friaries over the years. He lived in Antequera and Seville before moving to Granada. On February 21, 1914, Leopold moved permanently to the friary in Granada. He lived there for the next 42 years of his life.
For most of his time in Granada, Leopold worked as the quaestor. This meant he walked around the city every day. His job was to ask for donations from homes and businesses for the friary.
Over time, Leopold became a very well-known person in Granada. Many people would look for him to ask for his advice or prayers. They started calling him "the humble beggar of the three Hail Marys." This was because he would often say that prayer for those who asked for his blessing.
Leopold passed away in Granada on February 9, 1956. He was buried in a special crypt at the friary church in Granada. This church is now dedicated to his honor.
See also
In Spanish: Leopoldo de Alpandeire para niños
