Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río

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Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río (March 28, 1913 – February 10, 1928) was a Mexican Saint and martyr who died at the age of 14 during the Cristero War in Mexico. Born in Sahuayo, Michoacán, he grew up in a devout Catholic family with a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Despite his young age, José joined the Cristero movement, a rebellion against the Mexican government's anti-clerical policies, as a flag bearer. His unwavering faith and refusal to renounce his beliefs led to his capture, torture, and eventual martyrdom, making him a symbol of courage and devotion for Catholics worldwide.[1] Canonized by Pope Francis in 2016, he is venerated as a patron saint of persecuted Christians, children, adolescents, and his hometown of Sahuayo.[2]

José's martyrdom occurred in his hometown of Sahuayo, where he was executed by government forces after enduring severe torture, including having the soles of his feet cut off. His final words, "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" ("Long live Christ the King!"), and his devotion to the Virgin Mary have inspired Catholics, particularly in Mexico and among the faithful in the United States.[3] His life and sacrifice are commemorated in the Diocese of Zamora and the Archdiocese of San Antonio, where a parish and former school bear his name. His feast day, celebrated on February 10, serves as a reminder of his heroic witness to faith under persecution.[4]

Stored in Cargo: Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río

Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río
Feast Day February 10
Liturgical Class
Patronage Persecuted Christians, children, adolescents, Sahuayo
Birthplace Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico
Death Place Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico
Cause of Death Martyrdom
Primary Shrine Church of Saint James the Apostle, Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico

Biography

Birth

José Luis Sánchez del Río was born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, to Macario Sánchez and María del Río.[1] As the third of four children, he was baptized in the Church of Saint James the Apostle, a significant parish in his hometown.[5] His birth occurred during a turbulent period in Mexican history, marked by the Mexican Revolution and growing tensions between the Catholic Church and the state. The Diocese of Zamora, which encompassed Sahuayo, played a central role in fostering the region's deep Catholic roots, shaping José's early environment.[3]

The Sánchez family was devoutly Catholic, instilling in José a strong faith from a young age. His godfather, Rafael Picazo Sánchez, would later play a tragic role in his life as the government official who ordered his execution.[6] The family's commitment to the Catholic Church and its traditions, including devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, profoundly influenced José, preparing him for the challenges he would face during the Cristero War.[1]

Early Life

Growing up in Sahuayo, José was immersed in a community where Catholicism was a cornerstone of daily life. He attended Mass regularly at the Church of Saint James the Apostle and developed a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, often praying the rosary and encouraging his peers to do the same.[5] His early education took place in local Catholic schools, which faced increasing restrictions as the Mexican government enforced anti-clerical laws under the 1917 Constitution.[3] These laws limited the Church's influence, closing religious schools and convents, which deeply affected José's formative years.

At the age of 12, the Cristero War broke out in 1926, a response to the government's aggressive secularization policies under President Plutarco Elías Calles. José's two older brothers joined the Cristero rebels, but his mother initially refused to let him participate due to his youth.[6] Undeterred, José's fervor for defending his faith grew, inspired by stories of Cristero martyrs and his own visits to their graves, where he prayed for the courage to follow their example.[1]

Occupation

José did not have a formal profession due to his young age, but he took on the role of a flag bearer for the Cristero rebels after persistent pleading with his mother and Cristero leaders.[3] In 1927, at age 14, he joined the forces of General Prudencio Mendoza in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. His tasks included carrying the Cristero banner during battles and performing menial duties such as delivering supplies.[5] His commitment to the cause was driven by his desire to defend the Catholic Church against government persecution, despite the dangers involved.

During a battle in January 1928, José demonstrated extraordinary courage by giving his horse to General Mendoza, whose own had been killed, leaving himself vulnerable to capture.[6] This act of selflessness highlighted his dedication to the Cristero cause and his willingness to risk his life for others. His role as a flag bearer, though not a traditional occupation, symbolized his active participation in the fight for religious freedom.

Vocation

José's vocation was not to a formal religious order or seminary but to a lay calling as a defender of the Catholic faith during the Cristero War. His deep spirituality was evident in his daily practices, including attending Mass whenever possible and receiving Holy Communion despite government bans on public worship.[1] José's devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and his prayers for martyrdom reflected a mature faith uncommon for his age. He saw his involvement with the Cristeros as a path to holiness, famously stating, "Never has it been so easy to obtain Heaven."[5]

His commitment was tested when he was captured by government forces in January 1928. Despite offers of freedom in exchange for renouncing his faith, José remained steadfast, enduring torture and imprisonment in the sacristy of his own parish church in Sahuayo.[3] His resolve to remain faithful, even at the cost of his life, solidified his vocation as a martyr for Christ.

Death

José Luis Sánchez del Río met his end through martyrdom on February 10, 1928, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. Captured during a Cristero battle, he was imprisoned in the Church of Saint James the Apostle, where he was tortured to force him to renounce his faith. The government soldiers cut the soles of his feet and forced him to walk barefoot to the local cemetery, where he continued to pray the rosary and sing to Our Lady of Guadalupe.[6] Despite being offered a chance to save his life by denying his beliefs, José refused, shouting "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" and "Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe!" as he was stabbed and shot.[1]

His execution was ordered by his godfather, Rafael Picazo Sánchez, a government official, adding a layer of personal tragedy to his death. Just before his execution, José received Holy Communion, smuggled to him by his aunt, strengthening his resolve.[5] His martyrdom at the age of 14, just weeks shy of his 15th birthday, became a powerful testament to his faith and inspired Catholics across Mexico and beyond.[3]

Significant events

  • Joined the Cristero rebels as a flag bearer in 1927, despite his young age.[3]
  • Gave his horse to General Prudencio Mendoza during a battle in January 1928, leading to his capture.[6]
  • Martyred on February 10, 1928, after refusing to renounce his Catholic faith despite torture.[1]
  • Declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II on June 22, 2004, recognizing his heroic virtue.[3]
  • Beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2005, in Guadalajara, Mexico.[1]
  • Canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016, in Rome, Italy.[2]

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico
  • Death location icon Death location: Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location: Cristero War participation (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

Parishes

Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize José Luis Sánchez del Río as a Servant of God began in 1996 in the Diocese of Zamora, Mexico. The diocesan investigation, which examined his life, virtues, and martyrdom, ran from May 1, 1996, to October 25, 1996. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints issued a "nihil obstat" on October 21, 1996, officially opening his cause and conferring the title of Servant of God.[3]

Venerable

José was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II on June 22, 2004, after the Congregation for the Causes of Saints confirmed his life of heroic virtue.[3] This step recognized his steadfast faith and courage during the Cristero War, particularly his willingness to face martyrdom rather than renounce his beliefs. No miracle was required for this stage, as his martyrdom was considered sufficient evidence of his sanctity.

Beatification

José was beatified on November 20, 2005, by Pope Benedict XVI through the Cardinal-Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Guadalajara, Mexico.[1] As a martyr, no miracle was required for his beatification, as his death for the faith was deemed sufficient by the Catholic Church. His beatification allowed him to be venerated in the Diocese of Zamora and among Cristero devotees.

Canonization

José was canonized on October 16, 2016, by Pope Francis in Rome, Italy, following the confirmation of a miracle attributed to his intercession.[2] The miracle involved the inexplicable healing of a baby in Mexico who had been declared to have "no hope of survival" by doctors in 2008–2009. The canonization extended his veneration to the universal Catholic Church, affirming his place among the Saints.

Miracles

Miracle for Beatification

As a martyr, José Luis Sánchez del Río did not require a miracle for beatification, as his death for the faith was considered sufficient by the Catholic Church.[3] His steadfast refusal to renounce his beliefs, even under torture, was recognized as a testament to his sanctity. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints and Pope Benedict XVI affirmed this during his beatification process in 2005.

The absence of a required miracle for beatification highlights the Church's acknowledgment of martyrdom as an ultimate act of faith. José's courage, exemplified by his final cries of "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" and his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, served as the basis for his elevation to Blessed.[1]

Miracle for Canonization

The miracle for José's canonization involved the inexplicable recovery of a baby in Mexico between 2008 and 2009, who doctors had declared had "no hope of survival."[3] The case was investigated locally in the Diocese of Zamora, concluding on January 30, 2015. A medical board approved the miracle in 2015, followed by theologians on October 8, 2015, and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on January 12, 2016. Pope Francis approved the miracle on January 21, 2016, paving the way for José's canonization on October 16, 2016.[2]

The healing was attributed to José's intercession after prayers were offered on behalf of the child. The rigorous investigation by the Catholic Church, including medical and theological reviews, confirmed the event as miraculous, solidifying José's universal veneration as a Saint.[3]

Other Notable Miracles

  • No additional miracles have been officially authenticated by the Catholic Church for José Luis Sánchez del Río. His martyrdom and the single miracle for canonization remain the primary events associated with his intercession.[1]

Patronage

Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río is the patron saint of persecuted Christians, children, adolescents, and Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. His patronage reflects his youthful courage and unwavering faith during the Cristero War, making him a model for those facing religious persecution and for young people striving for holiness.[1]

Feast Day

The feast day of Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río is celebrated on February 10, commemorating his martyrdom in 1928.[4]

Veneration

Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río is venerated through prayers, novenas, and pilgrimages to his shrine at the Church of Saint James the Apostle in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, where his relics are enshrined above a side altar.[5] Devotees often invoke his intercession for courage in the face of persecution and for the spiritual growth of youth. His image, often depicted with a rosary, a palm of martyrdom, and a Cristero banner, appears in churches and homes, particularly in Mexico and the United States.[1]

José has been portrayed in the 2012 film For Greater Glory, which depicts the Cristero War and his martyrdom, increasing his visibility among Catholics.[3] His relics and shrine in Sahuayo are significant pilgrimage sites, drawing devotees who honor his sacrifice during annual feast day celebrations. The St. José Sánchez del Río Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, further extends his veneration, offering religious education and ministries inspired by his example.[4]

Books

Written About the Saint

  • Ferreira, Cornelia R. Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río: Cristero Boy Martyr, 2nd ed., biography (2017 Canisius Books).[5]
  • McKenzie, Kevin William. Saint José: Boy Cristero Martyr, biography (2019 Ignatius Press).[6]

Written by the Saint

  • No known writings by Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río have been documented, as he was a young martyr without recorded works.[1]

External Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 "St. José Luis Sánchez del Río". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=7468. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Holy Mass and Canonization of the Blesseds". https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2016/documents/papa-francesco_20161016_omelia-canonizzazioni.html. 
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 "José Sánchez del Río". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_S%C3%A1nchez_del_R%C3%ADo. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "St. José Sánchez del Río Catholic Church". https://stjoselito.faith. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Ferreira, Cornelia R. (2017). Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río: Cristero Boy Martyr (2nd ed.). Canisius Books. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 McKenzie, Kevin William (2019). Saint José: Boy Cristero Martyr. Ignatius Press. 
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