Felix Monasterio Ateca

Upon returning to Spain, Father Félix de la Vierge distinguished himself through his multiple roles in teaching, spiritual direction, and preaching. He served successively as a professor, novice master, minister (superior), and preacher. In Córdoba, he taught algebra and philosophy while exercising the role of novice master. In Belmonte (Cuenca), he taught Sacred Scripture to theology students. During the 1930s, he was appointed minister (superior) of the prestigious sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza in Andújar (Jaén). There, he deployed intense pastoral and spiritual activity, deeply marking the local community with his humility and apostolic zeal. He also exercised the functions of provincial definitor. Later, upon returning to Algorta, he continued to form the young generations of Trinitarians as novice master (he was notably the formator of Father Juan Luis Martínez López in 1947).

Father Félix of the Virgin led a life characterized by an intimate union with God, harmoniously combining action and contemplation. His absolute fidelity to Catholic morality and the requirements of Trinitarian religious life was unwavering. He placed paramount importance on charity toward the most destitute, evangelical poverty, and a spirit of penance. Affectionately nicknamed "el santito" (the little saint) or "el santín" by his confreres and the faithful due to his gentleness and piety, he enjoyed an immense reputation for holiness during his lifetime.

Father Felix of the Virgin died on January 17, 1951, at the Trinitarian house in Algorta (Biscay) at the age of 48. His remains were initially buried in the cemetery of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Getxo, before being transferred on August 4, 1965, to the Trinitarian church in Algorta, where they rest in a small chapel under the tower. Given the persistence of his reputation for holiness, the Diocese of Bilbao opened his informative process (diocesan inquiry) on April 25, 1963, which was closed on November 19, 1966. After the examination of his writings and the validity of the procedure by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Positio was published in 1989. On March 26, 1994, Pope John Paul II promulgated the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thereby conferring upon him the title of Venerable.

The spirituality of the Venerable Felix of the Virgin is centered on the constant search for the divine will and the glory of God, in accordance with his priestly motto: "I will seek in all my actions the will of God and his glory." He nurtured a passionate love for the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. His legacy endures within the Trinitarian Order, which proposes him as a model of religious humility, dedication in the formation of young people, and pastoral charity. The Trinitarians celebrate his liturgical memory on January 17, the day of his birth into heaven.