Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río - Martyr of the Cristero War

ST. JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ DEL RIO

St. José Luis Sánchez del Río was a 14-year-old Mexican martyr who died during the Cristero War. Known for his unwavering faith, he became a symbol of courage when he was executed for refusing to renounce his Catholic beliefs. His final words, "Viva Cristo Rey!" ("Long live Christ the King!"), embody his devotion. Canonized by Pope Francis in 2016, he is the patron saint of persecuted Christians and adolescents. His feast day is celebrated on February 10.

Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río was born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. He was raised in a deeply Catholic family and displayed a profound commitment to his faith from a young age. In 1926, when the Cristero War broke out, he felt a strong call to join the fight for religious freedom and the defense of the Catholic Church, which was being severely persecuted by the Mexican government. Though initially forbidden by his mother to join the rebel forces, José’s determination led him to enlist, and he was soon accepted into General Prudencio Mendoza's army as a flag bearer. His youthful energy and passion for his faith earned him the affectionate nickname "Tarcisius," after the early Christian martyr who protected the Eucharist.

José's involvement in the war was not as a soldier but as a messenger and flag bearer, yet he proved to be deeply committed to the cause of the Cristeros. On January 25, 1928, in the midst of battle, he demonstrated an extraordinary act of selflessness by giving his horse to General Mendoza, allowing the general to escape a dangerous situation. Despite his efforts to remain out of direct combat, José was captured by the government forces shortly afterward. What followed was a brutal period of imprisonment and torture.

The government soldiers offered him a chance to save his life if he would only renounce his faith, but José remained steadfast. Even under intense suffering, he refused to give up his belief in Christ. After enduring severe beatings, he was sentenced to death. On February 10, 1928, José was executed. He was only 14 years old. Before his death, he boldly proclaimed, "Viva Cristo Rey!"—"Long live Christ the King!"—which became a rallying cry for the Cristeros and a symbol of the unwavering faith of those who fought for religious freedom in Mexico.

José's story was not forgotten. He became an icon of resistance and faith, especially among the Catholic community in Mexico. His death exemplified the price of standing firm in one's beliefs in the face of tyranny. On November 20, 2005, José was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI, recognizing his martyrdom for the faith. His canonization took place on October 16, 2016, when Pope Francis declared him a saint, cementing his legacy as one of the youngest martyrs in the history of the Church. His feast day is celebrated on February 10, the anniversary of his death.

Today, St. José Luis Sánchez del Río is remembered as a martyr who gave his life for his faith at a young age. He is the patron saint of persecuted Christians, children, and adolescents, and his life continues to inspire many to remain firm in their faith, regardless of the cost.

Feast Day

10-2-1928

Birth Date

28-3-1913

Died Date

10-2-1928

Canonised Date

16-10-2016

Sahuayo, Michoacán.

"Lord, grant me the courage to face challenges and to live and die for Your honor. Help me to remain firm in my faith even in times of persecution. Amen."
ST. JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ DEL RIO

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ST. JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ DEL RIO

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