Carmen, Rosa, and Magdalena Fradera were born in Riudarenes, Gerona, Spain. Young and docile to the Lord’s call, one after another they entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They lived, however, in a tumultuous time, the time of the Spanish Civil War, and there was full-blown persecution of the Church. Throughout Spain, religious were required to disperse, forced to return to their paternal homes.

During this most confusing of periods in Spanish History, it was a time of relentless martyrdom of bishops, priests, religious, and lay catechists. Sources tell us that the number of martyrs totaled almost 7,000: 4,184 diocesan priests: twelve bishops, one apostolic administrator and about thirty seminarians; 2,365 Brothers and 238 Sisters. Of these 1,000 have already been beatified or canonized and 2,000 are in process.

In the early morning hours of September 27, 1936, they were arrested. Having been informed of the impending arrest, they unlawfully donned their religious habits. As they were being taken from their parents, filled with the Holy spirit, they told their family, “Do not cry, we are happy to be martyrs.” Not for one moment did they hesitate. In a forest about 12 miles from Riudarnes they were tortured and put to death.

Sister Maria Carmen was 41 years old, Sister Maria Rosa was 36 years old, and Sister Maria Magdalena was 34 years old. Their feast day is November 6. Their remains rest in the Motherhouse in Olot next to Venerable Joaquin Masmitja, the Father Founder of the Community.

On October 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI beatified 498 martyrs, three of which were Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Sisters Maria Carmen, Maria Rosa, and Maria Magdalena Fradera.

The IHM’s were recently gifted two thecas containing first class relics of Blessed Carmen, Rosa and Magdalena! The reliquary will be given pride of place next to the icon of our martyrs