Blessed Kamen Vitchev
Priest, Assumptionist, Martyr - from Bulgaria
Born on 23 May 1893 at Srem, near Topolovgrad & baptised Peter
Joined Assumptionists in 1910, beginning his novitiate in Gempe, Belgium, taking the name Kamen. Made his final profession in 1912 in Limperzberg. Studied philosophy & theology in Louvain. Ordained priest in the Eastern Rite in Constantinople on 22 December 1921. Completed his studied in Strasbourg & Rome, obtaining doctorate in theology in 1929.
Back in Bulgaria, became college rector, dean of studies & lecturer in philosophy in Plovidiv until Communists closed the school on 2 August 1948. Then names superior of the Seminary of Plovdiv.
Arrested on 4 July 1952 by the Communist militia, accused of heading a Catholic conspiracy against the State.
Shot along with Josaphat Chichkov & Pavel Djidjov by firing squad on 11 November 1952
Beatified along with Kamen Vitchev & Pavel Djidjov on Trinity Sunday, 26 May 2002 by Pope St John Paul II
Feast day - 11th November
"The Iron Curtain becomes increasingly thick, without doubt, they are preparing dossiers on Catholic priests ..."