St. José Sánchez del Río
Fourteen-year-old Mexican boy who joined the Cristero uprising as a flag-bearer to defend the Church against the persecution of the Calles government. Captured in battle, he refused to renounce his faith despite being made to walk barefoot to his execution on bloody feet, the soles of which had been cut off. His final words on being shot were 'Viva Cristo Rey!' ('Long live Christ the King!'). His witness has inspired generations of Catholic youth.
Life & Times
Also known as: Joselito; Boy Martyr of the Cristeros · Born: March 28, 1913 · Died: February 10, 1928 · From: Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico.
Patronage
St. José Sánchez del Río is invoked as the patron of children persecuted for the faith, catholic youth, the cristeros. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Long live Christ the King! Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe!”— His dying words at his execution, February 10, 1928, recorded by witnesses
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. José Sánchez del Río, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.