He was born (Alejandro Mas Ginestar) at Benisa (Alicante) on February 3, 1876, the last of four children born to Francisco Mas and Vicenta Ginestar. He was baptized on December 12, 1876, in the Parish of the “Purisima Xiqueta” of Benisa. He joined the Capuchi Order, being clothed with the habit on August 1, 1893, in the friary of Santa Maria Magdalena at Massamagrell. He made temporary profession on August 3, 1894, and made perpetual vows on August 8, 1897.

On completion of his seminary studies, he was ordained priest of Olleria on December 22, 1900. From the time he erxercised his apostolic ministry in various houses of the province, devoting himself in particular to the youth apostolate and catechesis.

He was always outstanding for his fidelity to the Rule. “He was a faithful observer of the Rule and Constitutions,” said Don Francisco Barre, an inhabitant of Massamagrell, “to the extent that he would leave the young people a few moments before the bell rang for any community function, so that he could be sure to arrive on time. Everyone knew that he had a temper, but he know how to control himself and he came across as being full of kindness.”

“He was a good religious,” says Dona Josefa Moreno, “and being as kind as he was, on more than one occasion, he intervened with his relatives to resolve difficult family situations, reconciling hearts and always proceeding with the utmost prudence.”

“While he was hiding,” says Mercedes Lloris, “he always showed great serenity. He prayed a great deal, and we always prayed the rosary as a family at his invitation.”

After July 18, 1936, he too was obliged to leave the friary and at first took refuge in the house of some friends, and then in the house of one of his sisters at Vergel (Alicante). Barres Ferrer recalls that “During this time, he appeared calm and never complained or asked how God could permit such things. He showed patience and recited the Divine office”.

“He was perfectly aware” says Maria Jansaras, “of the danger that he and all of us were in, and he would often say so to my father. He exhorted us to pray a great deal and always to be ready and abando ourselves into God’s hands. During the time he was in hiding, each time we visited him he showed resignation and often repeated that we should not cry because, since God permitted it, it was good for us, He prayed constantly.”

He was taken by the militia on August 26, 1936, and killed in the place known as the “Denia Reservoir.” He was later buried in the cemetery at denia.

On July 30, 1939, his remains were exhumed. His skull was totally smashed. He had been hit by more than 14 bursts of gunfire. His remains now rest in the Martyr’s chapel in the friary of Magdalena at Massamagrell.

Bro. Peter’s feelings in the face of death are summed up in an expression he often repeated to his sister: “If they come for me, I am ready.”

Blessed Peter of Benisa of the Franciscan Capuchin Order from Valencia Spain is one of the thousands of Priests and religious martyred during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 for the hatred of the Faith. He and other Capuchin martyrs were beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 11, 2001 along with 240 other martyrs