Son of Spanish gypsy parents, Ceferino Giménez Malla known familiarly as “El Pelé” was born in Spain in 1861—no one knows exactly where or when. Ceferino, like his family, was a Roma who lived his life according to Roma traditions and laws, both in his upbringing and throughout his life.
As a child, he wandered the mountain roads of the region, selling the baskets he crafted by hand. While still young, he married Teresa Giménez Castro, a strong-willed Romani woman from Lérida, in the Romani style. They settled in Barbastro. In 1912, he legalized their union, celebrating their marriage according to the Catholic rite. From that point on, he began attending church regularly and became a model Christian. Although he had no children of his own, he adopted his wife’s niece, named Pepita, whose descendants are still alive today.
“El Pelé” dedicated the best years of his life to his profession as a skilled horse dealer, buying and selling horses at regional fairs. He achieved a good social and economic status, always making himself available to those in need. Unjustly accused of theft and imprisoned, he was later declared innocent. His defence lawyer stated, “Pelé is not a thief; he’s Saint Zeferino, the patron saint of Roma”. Extremely honest, he never deceived anyone in his dealings. Due to his renowned prudence and wisdom, both non-gypsies and gypsies sought him out to resolve conflicts that sometimes arose between them. Pious and charitable, he helped everyone with his alms. He was a model of religious devotion, attending daily Mass, receiving Communion frequently, and reciting the Holy Rosary every day. Although he was illiterate, he befriended educated individuals and became a member of several religious associations, including Eucharistic Thursdays, Night Adoration, the Conferences of Saint Vincent de Paul.
In 1926 he joined the Franciscan Third Order. He took pleasure in catechizing children, recounting Bible passages, teaching them prayers, and fostering respect for nature. At the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, in late July 1936, he was arrested for defending a priest who was being dragged through the streets of Barbastro and for carrying a rosary in his pocket. He was offered freedom if he agreed to stop praying the rosary but chose to remain in prison and face martyrdom. In the early hours of August 8, 1936, he was shot beside the walls of the Barbastro cemetery. He died with the rosary in his hand, shouting his faith: “Long live Christ the King!”
Ceferino Giménez Malla was beatified by John Paul II in 1997.
The Feast Day – August 2
Sources:
https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19970504_gimenez-malla_sp.html