“Deceitful are the ephemeral pleasures and joys of this world; Our supreme comfort, in this life, is to die to the world that we may live with Jesus Crucified.”

Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez was born on January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe Mexico. He was the eldest son of Miguel Pro and Josefa Juarez. Miguelito, as his family called him, was, from an early age, intensely spiritual and mischievousness, frequently annoyed his family with his humor and practical jokes. He sometimes took his acts too far, tossing him into near-death accidents and illnesses.

He was close to his older sister and after she entered a convent, he recognized his own vocation and calling to the priesthood. Although he was popular with the senoritas and had prospects of a lucrative career managing his father’s thriving business, he renounced everything for Christ, and entered the Jesuit novitiate in El Llano, Michoacan when he was 20.

He remained in Mexico for several more years until a tidal wave of anti-Catholicism came upon Mexico, forcing him to disband and flee through Texas, New Mexico, and finally into Los Gatos, California.

The following year he was sent to a seminary in Spain for 9 years and then onto Belgium for his ordination in 1925. He suffered from severe stomach issues and endured 3 operations. His health did not improve but was allowed to return to Mexico which still had grave religious persecution.

The churches were closed, and priests went into hiding. He spent the rest of his life in a secret ministry to the sturdy Mexican Catholics. He also carried out works of mercy by assisting the poor in Mexico City while adopting many interesting disguises. He would come in the middle of the night dressed as a beggar to baptize infants, bless marriages, and celebrate Mass. He would appear in jail dressed as a police officer to bring Holy Viaticum to condemned Catholics. When going to upper class neighborhoods to procure for the poor, he would show up at the doorstep dressed as a businessman with a fresh flower in his lapel.

His many exploits could rival those of the most daring spies. In all that he did, he remained obedient to his superiors, and was filled with joy serving Christ.

He was falsely accused in the bombing attempt on a former Mexican president, was betrayed, and handed over to the police. He was sentenced to death without the benefit of any legal process.

At the age of 36, on November 23, 1927, he was executed by a firing squad. He forgave his executioners, prayed, and bravely refused a blindfold and proclaimed, “Viva Cristo Rey”, “Long live Christ the King!”

His feast day is November 23.

For God’s Glory.

“Let others seek gold, and other earthly treasures; I already possess the immortal treasure of Holy Poverty on the Cross of Jesus Crucified.”

Disguise Examples –