Catalan Carlist Antonio Tort, Jeweler and Father of Thirteen, to Be Beatified on November 23 (Part II of II)

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Arrest and Martyrdom

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.”

Meanwhile, other militiamen ransacked the family’s jewelry and desecrated religious images they found.

Mercedes continued, “It was a very large car. I remember how we were seated: in the back, the bishop, his relative, and I; in the middle seats, my father [Antonio Tort] and his brother Francisco; and in the front, the driver and a militiaman. Additionally, there was one militiaman clinging to each side of the car, holding onto the windows with rifles slung over their shoulders.”

Mercedes was released within hours, but the others were transferred from the headquarters at 360 Pedro IV Street to the checa (detention center) of San Elías, now the parish of Santa Inés in the Sant Gervasi district. During the midday meal on December 3 at the checa, Antonio spoke joyfully about his impending death, showing no hesitation in leaving his family, as he entrusted them fully to God’s care.

On the night of Thursday, December 3, 1936, the Feast of Saint Francisco Javier, patron of Navarra, Antonio was taken to Montcada Cemetery (known as the “Catalan Paracuellos”), alongside Bishop Irurita, Father Goñi, and his brother Francisco de Paula. The four were executed in the early hours – during a “dark and cold night” – on Friday, December 4, 1936, according to witnesses from the San Elías prison, whose accounts were included in Vice-Postulator Muñoz’s report.

It was the First Friday of the month, a day dedicated to reparation and honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom Antonio was deeply devoted. Their bodies were buried in a clandestine mass grave at Montcada Cemetery, among more than a thousand victims.

Identification of Antonio Tort’s Body

Details of Antonio’s identification are found in the report by Monsignor José Morera, Vicar General of the Diocese of Barcelona and investigator of the file regarding the remains found in Montcada, dated November 15, 1943. Antonio’s body was identified in 1940 (record 803) by his wife, María Gavín, and his children, José María and Victoria Tort Gavín. They also identified the remains of his brother Francisco de Paula (record 823), Bishop Manuel Irurita (record 814), and Father Marcos Goñi (record 788).

Following identification, Antonio’s and Francisco’s remains were moved to the churches of El Pi and La Mercè in Barcelona, later being interred in the family niche at Les Corts Cemetery, where they rest today.

Antonio Tort: A Carlist Example in Times of Revolutionary Persecution

Being a Carlist in revolutionary Barcelona in 1936 meant facing grave danger. Churches were being pillaged, and the persecution of those steadfast in the Faith grew increasingly brutal. In addition to these risks, Antonio harbored the Bishop of Barcelona, his priestly relative, and several Carmelite Sisters of Charity in his own home.

Antonio Tort’s faith and courage did not waver during those dark days. On the contrary, they grew stronger amidst adversity.

Antonio’s example of courage resonates today, as moral and spiritual persecution intensifies, and the enemies of the Faith and the Cause are found even among those who should be their defenders.

Josep de Losports, Círculo Tradicionalista Ramón Parés y Vilasau (Barcelona)

Translated by the Gremio San Jerónimo