Image: Father Tulio Maruzzo and Luis Obdulio Arroyo Navarro (ofm.org)
Luis Obdulio Arroyo Navarro was a Secular Franciscan and one of the Martyrs of Izabal, Guatemala.
He was born in Quiriguá, Los Amates, Izabal, Guatemala on 21 June 1950. He was raised in a devout Catholic family that instilled in him a strong faith and dedication to religious life from an early age. At the age of 26 years he joined the Franciscan third order, and become a Catechist in the parish. Luis embraced the Franciscan ideals of poverty, humility, and service to others. He exemplified these virtues through his work as a driver for the Los Amates city government, where he consistently demonstrated a spirit of generosity and compassion towards those he encountered.
Working with Franciscan Father Tulio Maruzzo, he evangelized and helped the poor, despite warnings from the combatants who saw their Christian mission as an unwanted interference. Navarro knew of the threats directed against Maruzzo, but worked with him despite knowing that he, too, could be targeted. The pair were ambushed on the road and shot to death after attending a catechetical meeting near Los Abates, their bodies later found abandoned in the jungle. Their deaths were a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to the Gospel, as they faced persecution for their beliefs.
Revered as martyrs for the faith, they were beatified and declared Blessed by Pope Francis on October 27, 2018.
Feast Day: July 1
Sources:
https://ofm.org/en/the-servants-of-god-tullio-maruzzo-ofm-and-luis-obdulio-arroyo-navarro.html
https://www.saintforaminute.com/blesseds/blessed_luis_obdulio_arroyo_navarro