Sunday Meditation: Canonization of Teenage Cristero, Jose Sanchez del Rio

Jose Sanchez del Rio
1913-1928

Fewer than 100 years ago, the masonic Mexican government closed all the Catholic churches and actively persecuted the faithul which resulted in the Cristero rebellion. The Cristeros fought the persecution under the banner of Christ the King.

Among the heroes of the time was Fr. Miguel Pro who was captured and executed for doing nothing more than bringing the Mass to the underground Church. He ended his life before a firing squad with arms stretched out in the cruciform position exclaiming, "Viva Cristo Rey!" Long live Christ the King.

Today the pope canonized one of the youngest Cristero martyrs, Jose Sanchez del Rio, only thirteen-years-old when he joined the Cristeros and only fifteen when he gave his life for Christ after cruel torture. Jose's two older brothers left to fight with the Cristeros, and the youngster begged his mother to let him go as well. She refused saying he was too young, but finally relented after he told her,  “Mamá, it has never been easier to earn Heaven as now.” He expected to die fighting for restoration of the Catholic faith in Mexico.