Virgilio
Marist Brother, in the world Trifón Lacunza Unzu, martyr of the persecution in Spain
Who they were
Born at Ciriza in the province of Navarre on 3 July 1891, he made his perpetual profession in 1912; he taught and from 1925 was director of the community at Burgos, promoted a number of educational undertakings and several pious associations, and worked above all for the release of the young men and novices of the house of Las Avellanas. He was beatified on 28 October 2007 by Benedict XVI with Laurentino and 44 companions of the Institute of the Marist Brothers of the Schools.
The miracles
As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.
Why that counted as sanctity
The decree on martyrdom names him, with Laurentino, at the head of the Marist Brothers killed in the 1936 persecution in Spain.
The cause
The cause continues. No postulation address is published here yet. Favours received through this person’s intercession, and offers of help, are best sent to the religious order or congregation they belonged to, or to the diocese where the cause was opened; either will pass them to the postulation.
- Acta Apostolicae Sedis 99 (2007), p. 522 - decree on martyrdom
- Dicastery for the Causes of Saints - beatifications of 28 October 2007
Checked against the sources listed on 22 September 2026. Corrections welcome.