Esther Paniagua Alonso was a Spanish religious sister and missionary born in Izagre in 1949. A member of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters, she served as a nurse in Algiers, Algeria. She became known for her deep commitment to the local population, particularly disabled children, and her refusal to leave the country despite the dangers posed by the Algerian Civil War. She was killed in October 1994 while returning from Mass, an event recognized by the Catholic Church as martyrdom.
Life and service
After joining the novitiate at age 18, she took her perpetual vows in 1970. While working in the hospital at Bab El Oued, she developed a profound respect for Arab culture and the Muslim faith. Even as violence escalated during the civil war, she chose to remain in Algeria, expressing her trust in God and her desire to follow the example of Jesus.
Death and beatification
In 1994, she was murdered alongside Sister Caridad Álvarez Martín during an attack following a religious service. Following the recognition of her martyrdom by Pope Francis, she was officially proclaimed blessed on December 8, 2018. She is commemorated among the martyrs of Algeria, having been part of a group of religious figures killed during that period.