The Cristero War roots lie in the 1917 Mexican Constitution which included articles designed to subject the Church to the absolute control of the state. Priests were banded from operating schools, establishing orders, taking vows, and worshipping outside church buildings. Churches could not own property, clergy could not participate in politics, and the number of priests were limited. In 1926, President Calles created the “Calles Law” which established severe penalties for insubordination. The Vatican drastically rejected it and the government suspended worship throughout and sought the exile or execution of priests.

José Luis was born on March 28, 1913, in the small town of Sahuayo, of Western Mexico. He was the 3rd of 4 children for his devout Catholic family of cattle ranchers. Even early on, after learning the meaning of being a martyr, he prayed for the grace to be one.

The war had begun and his brothers joined the rebel forces but his mother would not allow him to participate. The rebel general also refused José because of his young age. Still he urged on as he wanted to stand up for his faith and the Church which was being severely persecuted. After much insistence, the general allowed him to become the flagbearer of the troop where he supported others in non-combat roles.

He was given the nickname “Tarcisius,” after the early Christian boy saint who died protecting the Eucharist from descecration.

On January 25, 1928, the general’s horse was killed during heavy fighting and José gave up his horse for the general so he could escape the dangerous situation. Despite his efforts to remain out of direct combat, he was captured by the government forces and imprisoned in the sacristy of the local church. During his captivity, he was tortured and ordered to renounce his faith but even under the threat of death, he refused.

He was forced to watch the hanging of another Cristero but instead of breaking his resolve, he encouraged the man, saying they would meet again soon in heaven.

He prayed the rosary daily and wrote to his mother saying he was ready to fulfill the will of God. His father tried to raise money for a ransom, but was not able to do so in time.

On February 10, 1928, after enduring several beatings, the guards realized they would not break his faith and he was sentenced to death. They cut the bottom of his feet and forced him to walk around the town toward the cemetery while he recited the rosary, prayed for his enemies, and sang songs to Our Lady of Guadalupe. In retaliation, they cut him with a machete several times.

The guards told him that if he shouted, “Death to Christ the King,” they would spare his life. Instead he cried out, “I will never give in. Viva Cristo Rey y Santa Maria de Guadalupe!” and was executed.

He was canonized on October 16, 2016, by Pope Francis.

He is the patron saint of persecuted Christians, Children, Adolescents, and Sahuayo.

His feast day is February 10.

For God’s Glory.