One of the most violent persecutions of Catholics in modern history occurred in Mexico 1926-29 in what became known as the Cristero War.
Catholic churches, seminaries, convents and schools were seized by the Mexican government in an effort to abolish the practice of the faith. More than a million Mexicans escaped to the United States, and more than 2,000 who chose to stay were murdered, including six priests who were members of the Knights of Columbus.
“They are a small group of the many who gave up their life for the Lord and they should be a source of consolation and hope and strength,” said Father Álvaro Montero, pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge, where the relics of the priests known as the “Mexican Martyrs” were venerated by hundreds of pilgrims Nov. 22.
The six priests were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. “Martyrs in reality are the example of the baptismal grace reaching its total fulfillment,” said Father Montero. “In the struggles and uncertainties of life, the fears and anxieties of the world, people look up to the martyrs knowing there is more to what we see and there’s a deeper truth to what we experience.”
Walter Rivas came with his wife and three children, who embraced each other, bowed and touched the cross reliquary as one. “It was really beautiful,” said Rivas. “Sometimes it’s hard for my kids to understand that God is there, but to be present today, I pray that they will know that they can always reach out to God and that this moment is with them forever.”
Priest martyr Father Matteo Correa Magallanes suffered death by firing squad after refusing to divulge the confessions of prisoners in 1926. “We need to see the courage of these martyrs so that one day we may have that courage when we need it,” said Shelagh Ghering, who came with her husband and seven children.
Gehring noted that lawmakers in the state of Washington recently attempted to pass legislation that would have required priests to report the confessions of certain crimes to law enforcement. “Just the fact that it’s even being spoken of is scary,” she said. “This is the essence of our faith. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
The Catholic tradition of venerating relics is vital for living out the faith today, said Father Montero. “We say this is a ‘valley of tears,’ right? I don’t think any of these martyrs thought about martyrdom in the early 20th century.”
“It could happen to any of us so, if I’m married, I want to be a better spouse; if I’m studying, I want to be a better student; and if I am working hard hours, I want to give my best without cutting corners,” he said. “If I am suffering, I want my suffering united with the Lord, to deepen my baptismal call and to literally enter Advent with a sense of hope and actual joy, so we can say, ‘Yeah, I can be a saint.’ ”
