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A young layman formed in the spirit of St. Joseph Calasanz by the Piarists of El Masnou, who gave his life at age 19 during the Spanish Civil War with the words: "God is with me."
Explore Quick Facts ↓Joan Roig i Diggle was born on 12 May 1917 in Barcelona, Spain, into a devout Catholic family. From childhood he demonstrated a deep love for God, prayer, and service. He first studied with the La Salle Brothers before continuing his education with the Piarists in El Masnou, where he was formed in the educational spirit of St. Joseph Calasanz.
Among his teachers were the future martyrs Blessed Ignatius Casanovas Perramón and Blessed Francisco Carceller Galindo, whose witness greatly influenced his spiritual life.
Although he dreamed of studying law, financial hardship forced him to work in warehouses to support his family while continuing his Christian formation.
Joan became an active member of the Federation of Young Christians of Catalonia, where he guided younger members in the faith and encouraged them to live the Gospel with courage.
Deeply devoted to the Eucharist, he attended daily Mass, spent long hours in Eucharistic Adoration, and regularly visited the sick and elderly, bringing them Holy Communion and offering comfort during difficult times. His generosity, humility, and joyful witness made him a respected young Catholic leader among his companions.
During the Spanish Civil War, Joan openly defended the Christian faith and rejected both violence and anti-religious persecution. Knowing the danger surrounding him, he courageously continued his apostolic work.
On the night of 10 September 1936, armed militiamen came to arrest him because of his Catholic faith. Before leaving his home, he consumed the consecrated Hosts he carried to protect the Blessed Sacrament from desecration. He embraced his mother, telling her in English:
"God is with me."
Taken away by his captors, Joan forgave those who persecuted him. Before dawn on 11 September 1936, he was executed near Sant Coloma de Gramenet, offering his young life entirely to Christ. He was only 19 years old.
Recognizing that Joan Roig had died in odium fidei ("out of hatred for the faith"), the Church officially acknowledged his martyrdom. His beatification celebrates the heroic witness of a young layman who remained faithful to Christ until death.
Blessed Joan Roig i Diggle remains an inspiring model for young people throughout the world. As a former Piarist student, he stands among the many fruits of holiness produced through the educational mission of St. Joseph Calasanz, reminding young people that sanctity is possible through prayer, charity, and unwavering trust in Christ.
His life teaches:
God is with me.
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