Saint Pedro Poveda: Priest, Educator, Martyr

This biographical drama tells the true story of Pedro Poveda (1874 – 1936), a tenacious and innovative priest who opened new paths in education and pioneered the rights of women in the early twentieth century. A victim of intolerance, he was murdered at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. In 1974 he was awarded the title of "Educator and Humanist" by UNESCO, and was canonized a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

Poveda's successs in educating and promoting poor illiterate children living in the Caves of Guadix in Southern Spain received staunch opposition. He had to move to Covadonga, in the Northern mountains. There he started a new Christian movement focused on educational opportunities for women, with the help of young women, which became the Teresian Association that continues his work today. For its development & growth he relied on young Pepita Segovia, one of the first women of her time to receive a university degree in education.

Poveda continued his work in spite of the social and political turmoil that intensified in the beginning of the thirties and escalated into a civil war. Caught in the middle of the conflict, Poveda, a man of peace and dialogue, gave his life for his faith, leaving behind a legacy of light and hope.

This DVD contains the following languages: Spanish with English subtitles.