Viva Cristo Rey! Honoring the Feast Day of Jose Sanchez del Rio

31 Jul 2024
us
Murphy

Sahuayo, Mexico: Tomb of St. Jose Sanchez del Rio in Saint James Church

Have you ever heard a story that stopped you in your tracks, a story of courage so profound it seemed almost unreal? The life and death of Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio is one such story, a testament to unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable adversity. Each year, on his feast day, we remember Jose, not just for his sacrifice, but for the incredible strength he embodies, a strength that continues to inspire people around the world.

Jose Sanchez del Rio was just a teenager when he found himself caught in the throes of the Cristero War in Mexico. This wasn't just any war; it was a war against faith, a time when religious persecution ran rampant. But young Jose, filled with a fiery passion for his beliefs, refused to stay silent. He joined the Cristeros, those brave souls who fought to protect their right to religious freedom.

Imagine being so young, barely old enough to drive in our time, and choosing to fight for something so much bigger than yourself. That was Jose. He became a flag-bearer for the Cristeros, a symbol of their unwavering hope and determination. His youthful spirit, his unwavering faith, it resonated with the troops, reminding them what they were fighting for.

Sadly, Jose's bravery was met with unimaginable cruelty. He was captured by government forces and given a choice: renounce his faith and live or stay true to his beliefs and face death. Can you even imagine being faced with such a choice at such a tender age? Jose, without hesitation, chose faith.

His captors, enraged by his defiance, subjected him to torture, hoping to break his spirit. They even cut off the skin from the soles of his feet and made him walk to his execution. Through it all, Jose never wavered. His final words, "Viva Cristo Rey!" (Long live Christ the King!) echoed his unwavering faith, a testament to his courage even in the face of death.

His feast day, a day set aside by the Catholic Church to honor his life and sacrifice, is not just a somber occasion but a celebration of his enduring spirit. It's a day to remember the young man who chose faith over fear, the boy who reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope and courage can prevail.

Though Jose's life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on. He stands as a beacon of light, reminding us that true strength comes from within, from that unshakeable faith that resides in our hearts. He teaches us that age is no barrier to courage, that even in the face of insurmountable odds, our voices can rise above the noise and inspire change.

On his feast day, we remember Jose, not just as a martyr, but as a young man who dared to live and die for something bigger than himself. We celebrate his life, his unwavering spirit, and the enduring power of faith. His story is a reminder to us all that even in our ordinary lives, we have the capacity for extraordinary courage, for it is in our choices, in our willingness to stand up for what we believe in, that we truly honor the legacy of Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio.