19th-century Spanish priest beatified

February 09, 2026

Father Salvador Valera Parra (1816-1889), a Spanish parish priest, was beatified in his hometown of Huércal-Overa on February 7.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, was the principal celebrant at the beatification Mass (video). The miracle that preceded the beatification was a 2007 healing at a hospital in Providence, Rhode Island; the attending physician was from Huércal-Overa.

Pope Leo paid tribute to the newly beatified priest on February 8:

Yesterday in Huércal-Overa, Spain, Father Salvatore Valera Parra was beatified. He was a parish priest completely devoted to his people, humble and generous in pastoral charity. His priestly example of focusing on what is essential can inspire today’s priests to be faithful in living each day with simplicity and asceticism.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal Semeraro beatifies parish priest 'dedicated to others' in Spain (Vatican News, 2/7/26)
• Angelus (Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2/8/26)