Mexican Martyrs Feast Day

Fr. Francisco Vera executed for celebrating Mass in 1927

On Saturday, May 21, members of the Fulton Sheen House of Formation celebrated the feast of the Mexican Martyrs which commemorates the 25 Mexicans who were martyred during the Cristero Rebellion.

Knights of Columbus MartyrsAs a reaction against the strict enforcement of the anti-clerical articles contained in the constitution of 1917 in Mexico, there was a civil war between Catholic rebels called Cristeros and the Mexican government.  As many as 50,000 men from every socioeconomic background took up arms against the government. As a result, St. Christopher Magallanes and 21 other priests and three lay companions were martyred between the years 1915 and 1937.

Fr. Gustavo Domenech, the rector of the Fulton Sheen House of Formation was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass in honor of the martyrs.  During the homily he spoke about the thirteen steps to take in order to be prepared to face martyrdom according to St. Cyprian. (In Praise of Martyrs)

We pray through the intercession of St. Christopher Magallanes and companions for the fortitude of missionaries to persevere in spreading the Gospel.

The Shrine of the Mexican Martyrs at the FSHF