A smiling official photo of Venerable Augusto Ramírez Monasterio, known as “Fray Augusto,” hides a brutal truth.
The image, taken in June 1983, shows the Guatemalan Franciscan moments after he endured hours of military torture. His martyrdom was formally recognised by Pope Leo XIV on 22 January.
Franciscan Father Edwin Alvarado, vice postulator of the cause, told OSV News the friar was tortured for refusing to break the seal of confession during Guatemala’s violent civil war.
After being forced to sign a statement claiming he was “treated well,” Fray Augusto posed for the photo with his burned hands hidden inside his habit.
Born in 1937, Fray Augusto was known for his joy, humor, love for youth, and long hours in the confessional.
In November 1983, after months of surveillance and threats, he was kidnapped, tortured and killed by government forces.
His witness, Father Alvarado said, underscores the sacredness – and cost – of protecting confession.
“For us priests, for the people, it says a lot about how a priest can guard one’s confession to the point of giving his life,” he said. The beatification date for Father Augusto is not set yet, but it likely could be 7 November, the anniversary of his martyrdom.
