St. Jenaro Sanchez Delgadillo was a Mexican priest and martyr, who gave his life for the faith during the Mexican Cristero War, a time of intense religious persecution.
Jenaro Sanchez Delgadillo was born on August 26, 1871, in the town of Tlajomulco, Jalisco, Mexico. From a young age, Jenaro felt a strong calling to the priesthood and entered the seminary in Guadalajara, where he studied theology and prepared for a life of service to God. After his ordination in 1896, he became a priest, known for his deep faith, piety, and commitment to his parish.
The social and political landscape of Mexico during Jenaro’s life was fraught with tensions, particularly between the Catholic Church and the government. In the 1920s, the Mexican government, under President Plutarco Elías Calles, enacted strict anti-Catholic laws, leading to the eruption of the Cristero War, a brutal conflict between Catholic rebels (Cristeros) and the government forces.
During this time, Father Jenaro, despite the growing danger, remained steadfast in his devotion to the Church and his parishioners. He continued to provide the sacraments, offer spiritual guidance, and speak out against the oppression of the Church. His tireless commitment to his faith and his flock made him a prominent target for the anti-Catholic regime.
In 1927, Jenaro was arrested by the government forces for his role in supporting the Cristeros. He was imprisoned, tortured, and eventually executed on September 22 of the same year, at the age of 56. His martyrdom, along with many other priests and laypeople during this period, became a symbol of the Church's struggle for religious freedom in Mexico.
St. Jenaro Sanchez Delgadillo was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, as part of a larger group of martyrs from the Mexican Cristero War. His canonization serves as a testament to his courage, devotion, and willingness to give his life for the faith.