Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio, a young Mexican martyr, has a remarkable and inspiring story that continues to touch the hearts of many across the globe. Born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, Jose grew up in a deeply religious family. His devout upbringing would eventually lead him down a path of unwavering faith and courage, resulting in his canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016.
At the age of 14, Jose demonstrated his commitment to his beliefs by joining the Cristero Movement, a rebellion against the anti-Catholic Mexican government that sought to eradicate religious freedom. The Cristeros were a group of Catholics who took up arms to defend their faith and fought for their rights, and young Jose, fueled by his love for God and devotion to the Church, did not hesitate to join their cause. His involvement in the movement would lead to his capture and, ultimately, an opportunity for the young zealot to display his unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
José Sánchez del Río was born on March 28, 1928, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. He was the son of José Luis Sánchez del Río and María del Río Araujo. The family was devoutly Catholic and held a strong commitment to their faith.
Growing up in Sahuayo, Mexico
As a young boy, José Sánchez del Río grew up in the small town of Sahuayo, Mexico. He was raised in a devout Catholic environment, attending Mass regularly and actively participating in religious activities. His family was well-known and respected in their community.
In the late 1920s, religious persecution intensified in Mexico. This led to the Cristero War (1926-1929), a conflict between the Mexican government and Catholic rebels who opposed anti-religious laws.
José, despite his youth, felt a strong conviction to defend the Catholic faith. He joined the Cristero movement in early 1928 when he was just 13 years old. His older brother, Miguel, was also part of the Cristero rebellion and served as an inspiration for José’s decision to join the cause. Together, they fought for the freedom of worship and the right to practice their religion in their country.
Cristero War and Involvement
During the Cristero War, a conflict between the Mexican government and rebel forces known as the Cristeros, Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio played a significant role. The war began in response to strict anti-clerical laws imposed by the Mexican Constitution, which restricted religious liberty for Catholics in Mexico.
Role as a Flagbearer
At the young age of 14, Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio joined the Cristero army, a group fighting for religious liberty and against the Mexican government’s anti-clerical laws. Jose took on the role of a flagbearer, proudly waving the army’s standard featuring an image of Christ the King. Despite his young age, he participated in various battles, showing great bravery and commitment to the cause. The battle cry “Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long Live Christ the King!) was often heard from Jose during these confrontations.
Capture and Imprisonment
Eventually, the young flagbearer was captured by the opposing government forces. Despite being a minor, Jose faced imprisonment due to his involvement with the Cristero rebels and their guerrilla tactics. His captors demanded that he renounce his faith and allegiance to the Cristeros in exchange for his freedom, but the devout teenager remained steadfast in his beliefs.
Torture and Death
During his imprisonment, Jose underwent severe torture to try and force him to abandon his faith and loyalty to his comrades. He refused to do so, even in the face of extreme pain. Aware of the support he provided to the Cristero cause, even inside the prison, his captors ultimately decided to end his life. Having been mutilated and tortured, on February 10, 1928, Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio was executed in a cemetery, dying as a martyr for the cause of religious liberty, shouting “Viva Cristo Rey!” with his last breath.
Canonization Process
Beatification
Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2005. The Catholic Church requires the recognition of a miracle attributed to the intercession of a candidate to be beatified. In Jose’s case, the miracle involved a woman who was cured of a serious illness after praying for his intercession.
During the beatification process, the Postulator and other members of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints examined the Positio, a necessary document containing information on the theological aspects of the candidate’s life. The Positio was prepared and thoroughly examined by the Congregation. Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, the Cardinal-Prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints at the time, played a vital role in this examination.
Miracle
The second miracle attributed to Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio’s intercession happened in 2008. A child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness was miraculously healed after prayers for Jose’s intercession were made. This became the second approved miracle towards Jose’s canonization.
Canonization
Pope Francis canonized Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio on October 16, 2016. Following the recognition of the second miracle, Jose was declared a saint by the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on February 10, the day of his Martyrdom.
Legacy and Impact
Persecuted Christians and Youth
Saint José Sánchez del Río is an inspiration for persecuted Christians and young people. His unwavering faith and courage in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the power of trust in God and the Catholic faith. In the context of La Cristiada, a movement against religious persecution in Mexico, his bravery and ultimate martyrdom further highlight his impactful devotion to the cause.
St. José Sánchez del Río’s Devotion
Saint José had a strong prayer life. He relied on the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, displaying his dedication to the Catholic faith and fostering his devotion. Through his prayers, he sought strength and courage to face persecution.
The story of Saint José’s life and martyrdom has touched many hearts and inspired people around the world. His short yet heroic life is a testament to his unwavering faith and trust in God.
Many modern-day Christians, especially young people, draw inspiration from St. José Sánchez del Río. His perseverance in the face of death serves as an example of living one’s faith even in the most challenging circumstances.
In Popular Culture and Media
Saint José Sánchez del Río’s story has had an enduring impact on popular culture. The Cristero Martyr’s life and sacrifice resonated with millions of people both within Mexico and around the world.
One example of St. José’s life being immortalized is in the film “For Greater Glory,” which tells the story of the Cristero War. His character is portrayed by a young actor who captures the courageous spirit of the saint.
The legacy and impact of Saint José Sánchez del Río are not limited merely to his time; these continue to resonate with today’s generation as they seek to maintain their faith and courage in a world that often challenges their beliefs.
Historical and Political Context
Mexican Constitution of 1917
The Mexican Constitution of 1917, enacted during the Mexican Revolution, was a transformative document that significantly impacted the nation’s politics and social structure. Among its provisions were a series of anti-clerical articles that sought to curb the influence of the Catholic Church. Article 3, for instance, mandated secular education in schools, while Articles 27 and 130 restricted church ownership of property and limited the role of religious institutions in public life. These measures intensified tensions between the Mexican government and the Catholic Church, setting the stage for the conflict that would follow.
Plutarco Elías Calles
Plutarco Elías Calles, a prominent military and political figure during the Mexican Revolution, later served as the President of Mexico from 1924 to 1928. A staunch supporter of the anti-clerical provisions in the constitution, Calles undertook an aggressive campaign to enforce them upon taking office. This period, known as the Calles Presidency, witnessed the closure of religious schools, confiscation of church property, and suspension of religious ministries.
Ley Calles
In 1926, Calles enacted a series of regulations known as the Ley Calles (Calles Law), further escalating the conflict between the government and the Church. Key provisions of the law included:
- Banning the Catholic News Agency and censoring references to Catholicism in the press
- Expelling foreign clergymen from the country
- Limiting the number of Mexican priests allowed to serve leading to a shortage of clergy
- Requiring that all clergymen be registered with the government
- Fining priests for specific offenses, such as wearing clerical attire in public
In response, the Vatican ordered the suspension of all Catholic worship throughout Mexico, and the Archdiocese of Guadalajara declared that religious persecution was worse than at any other time in the country’s history. Confronted with what many saw as a grave injustice, some Mexicans began to take up arms in defense of their faith. Among these new warriors for religious freedom was Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio, who would become an emblematic figure in the struggle against the government’s oppressive policies toward the Church.
