Alberto Capellan Zuazo

The major turning point in Alberto's life occurred in January 1919, when he experienced a profound spiritual conversion. From then on, his faith became the driving force behind all his actions. A few months after his conversion, he joined the Spanish Nocturnal Adoration. Contemplation of the Blessed Sacrament became the heart of his spiritual life. He would spend a total of 660 nights in adoration before the tabernacle and preside over the local section of the association for 15 years, receiving the honorary titles of "Veterano" and "Veterano Constante." For Alberto, love of the Eucharist was inseparable from love of the poor. In 1920, he became involved with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and also became a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. In 1928, deeply moved by the plight of the homeless and beggars in his city, he had a refuge built at his own expense, which he named "El Recogimiento" (The Recollection). He personally welcomed the needy there, offering them food, care, and a listening ear. He did not hesitate to carry on his shoulders those who were too weak or intoxicated found in the street to bring them to shelter. He maintained this daily work of charity until his last breath.

After a life entirely given to God and his brothers, Alberto Capellán Zuazo passed away peacefully on February 24, 1965, in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, at the age of 76. His death was so serene that his loved ones noted that the sheets of his bed were not even wrinkled, giving the impression that he had simply fallen asleep in the peace of the Lord. His reputation for holiness spread rapidly, carried by his family, the inhabitants of his region, and the members of the Nocturnal Adoration. On February 18, 1980, the diocesan informative process for his beatification was officially opened in the Diocese of Calahorra and La Calzada-Logroño. On January 13, 1983, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints granted the decree of introduction of the cause (nihil obstat). On June 28, 1986, the diocesan inquiry was solemnly closed. In the year 2000, his mortal remains were solemnly transferred to the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where they now rest.

On April 6, 1998, Pope John Paul II authorized the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, officially conferring upon him the title of Venerable. The cause for beatification is still ongoing. In accordance with the rules of the Catholic Church for causes of non-martyrs, the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession is necessary to pave the way for his beatification.

The spirituality of the Venerable Alberto Capellán Zuazo is characterized by a perfect synthesis between the contemplative life and the active life. He knew how to sanctify his daily life as a layman through his work on the land, his conjugal love, and the Christian education of his eight children. His passionate love for Jesus in the Eucharist led him to recognize the suffering Christ in the poor and the marginalized. His legacy remains particularly alive within the Spanish Nocturnal Adoration, which proposes him as a model of lay holiness for the contemporary world.