In July 1936, when the religious persecution began during the Spanish civil war, Father John of Jesus and the other four friars were in Lleida. The first few days they hid in the orchards near the convent, assisted by some friends and supporters. They decided to move to the nearby town of Alcarràs to seek a safe haven. But as soon as they began to move, they met a group of the armed party, who asked them to identify themselves and confess their belonging to the friars of St. Teresa. After doing so, they were immediately killed. It was July 25, 1936.
The decree of martyrdom was promulgated on June 3, 2013. The beatification ceremony was held on October 13, 2013.