History of the Cause

The diocesan inquiry began in Madrid, Spain, between March 11, 1999, and January 11, 2000. The Spanish layman, father of a family, Candidus Castán San José (1894-1936), was added to the group of the Oblate Martyrs.

The Roman process started in June, 2000 and the Positio was handed in three years later. The decree on the martyrdom was promulgated April 2, 2011. The Beatification of “Francisco Esteban Lacal and his companions” by Pope Benedict XIV took place in Madrid on December 17, 2011. For their canonization, a miracle is required.