[Prelude I, Prelude II, and The Cristiada I, give brief backgrounds and histories of the much-neglected, covered up, and ignored Cristiada which bloodied our neighbors to the south in the early 20th Century. Given that similar preliminary dynamics have been and are occurring in our own country, we are well advised to be aware not only of the history of the Cristiada but the aggressive atheism that propelled it. This series of posts on the Cristiada concludes with Mike Ashe’s post below. As the reader can see, Mike has a genuine desire and burden to remember those who would rather give their lives than betray the Lord Jesus Christ. Some things are more valuable than life itself — RMB]
The Cristiada II — Mike Ashe
Martyred Religious
The courage of these men is an inspiration to us all. All but a few were born into poverty; many became priests and served their God and their flock with unconditional love. When facing death all forgave their executioners and asked God to forgive them of their sins.
I am blessed to have lived with and among the people of Mexico and am proud that my children and grandchildren are of Mexican descent.
VIVA CRISTO REY
Cristóbal Magallanes Jara (1869-1927) age at death 58
In the Movie “For Greater Glory” Peter O’Toole “Father Christopher” was based on Cristobal Magallanes Jara. Born in Totatiche, Jalisco, ordained at age 30. In 1914 the government closed the seminary in Guadalajara. Magallanes opened a seminary in Totatiche, he wrote and preached against armed rebellion but was falsely accused of promoting violence. Arrested in 1927 while in route to celebrate mass at a farm. He gave away his few remaining possessions, gave them absolution, and without a trial was executed.
His last words to his executioners were “I am innocent, and ask God that my blood may serve to unite my Mexican brethren.”
Agustín Caloca Cortés (1898-1927) age at death 29
Agustin Caloca Cortes was born in a ranch in Zacatecas of simple peasants. He attended the seminary founded by father Christopher and graduated in 1919. In 1923 he was ordained as a priest and was subsequently assigned as parish priest assigned to the Seminary. In December 1926 he had to flee with eleven fifth year students to Cocoatzco. In May with federales approaching he ordered the seminarians to disperse among the towns people. After helping the seminarians escape, he was captured and reunited with father Christopher. A military officer offered him freedom, but he refused unless freedom was also granted to father Christopher.
His last words before execution by firing squad were: “We live for God and for him we die.”
Román Adame Rosales (1859-1927) age at death 71
Ordained a priest in 1890. When Calles forced church closures Roman took his ministry underground. In April 1927 while conducting Lenten services at Rancho Veldones, he was betrayed and arrested the next day, was tortured and jailed on Mexiticacan then marched miles to the town of Yahualica. In jail he received no food or water. Local lay people offered to buy freedom for their priest from Colonel Quinones. The colonel demanded a $6,000 mordida but instead of releasing the priest he executed him and pocketed the money.
Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman (1875–1927) age at death 52
Ordained a priest in 1903, named parish priest of Union de Tula, Jalisco, and subjected to persecution following the suspension of public services by the Calles Government. Due to the harassment he suffered after 1927 he was assigned to the parish in Ejutla, Jalisco, where he continued to serve the spiritual needs of the people.
In 1927 General Juan Izaguirre arrived in Ejutla with a large number of soldiers. Father Rodrigo was alerted along with seminaries of the General’s arrival. Everyone fled except for Rodrigo who stayed behind to burn the list of names of the seminary.
When discovered the soldiers asked him to identify himself, replied, “I am a Priest,” and was taken into custody. Early the next day the General ordered that father Rodrigo be hanged in the town square from a Mango tree. When the rope was tied to the branch father blessed the instrument of his martyrdom, pardoned his executioners, and made a gift of his rosary to one of them.
He was offered freedom if he would shout “Long live the Supreme Government”. So, a soldier asked him again “Long Live who” without hesitation father said “Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe”. They pulled him up and lowered him asking him again. He gave the same answer. The third time, now barely able to speak, he gave the same answer. This time he was left hanging and died.
Julio Alvarez Mendoza (1866–1927) age at death 61
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco where he studied for the priesthood ordained in 1984. Assigned to the Mechoacanejo, Jalisco parish served with kindness and simplicity the rest of his life. He had the opportunity to leave his parishioners at the beginning of the clerical persecutions but chose to remain their priest. In March 1927 in route to serve mass at a farm he was captured. The following morning, he was taken to San Julian where he was shot after pardoning his executioners. His body was left on the trash heap near the church, where a monument was erected in his honor.
Luis Batis Sainz (1870–1926) age at death 56
Born in San Miguel Mezquital Zacatecas 1870. After his ordination in 1894, he was assigned to the San Juan de Guadalupe, Durango. He was also the spiritual director of a seminary. In 1925 he was named parish priest of Chalchihutes, Zacatecas. In his last public service that he presided he referred to the anticlerical law that would go into effect the next day saying “The author of this misfortune isn’t the Government of President [Calles], but rather the sins of everyone, and so Catholics to rise up in arms; that isn’t Christian behavior.”
The next day a detachment took father Luis and three laymen, Manuel Morales, David Roldan, and Salvador Lara, out of Chalchihutes. Someone shouted as they left “Father, don’t forget us” father replied, “If you are my children, I won’t forget you” and from the vehicle he said “I’m going to give you a blessing and, please do not follow me, nothing is going to happen.”
At the crossroads of Las Bocas and Canutillo roads after walking 500 yards the soldiers fell into a square formation. Standing before the firing squad father asked to speak “I beseech you, for the sake of Manuel Morales’ little children, that his life be spared, I offer my life for his, I will be a victim, I am willing to be one.” Morales replied, “I am dying for God, and God will care for my children.” Smiling, Father Luis gave him absolution and said “I’ll see you in heaven.” The rifle barrage cut all four men down.
Mateo Carrea Magallanes (1866–1927) age at death 61
Born in Tepechitlan, Zacatecas, he attended seminary in Zacatecas and was ordained at the age of 27. As a young priest he gave the first communion to Miguel Pro who was also martyred. Following the government repression of the Catholic church in 1910, he went into hiding. In 1926 he was assigned to Valparaiso. In 1927 while bringing communion to an invalid woman he was arrested and accused of being a part of the rebellion.
Father Mateo was asked by General Euliogo Ortiz to hear the confession of some imprisoned Cristeros members. He agreed to her the sacrament of confession but afterwards Ortiz demanded that father Mateo tell him what the prisoners had confessed. Father Mateo refused and Ortiz pointed a gun a father’s head and threatened him with immediate death. He continued to refuse and at dawn he was shot at the town’s cemetery.
Atlilano Cruz Alvarado (1901–1928) age at death 27
Born in Teocaltiche, Jalisco, as a boy he attended cattle. At the age of 17 he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1927 during the height of the anticlerical government crackdown. After being ordained, he was sent to a parish where a priest (Toibio Romo Gonzalez) had been shot to death by soldiers. In 1928 Father Atlilano joined his pastor at a nearby ranch to discuss the parish situation. Government troops raided and gunned down the pastor and father Atlilano waited on his knees for his own execution which came shortly thereafter.
Miguel De La Mora (1874–1927) age at death 49
Born in Tecalitlan, Jalisco, ordained in 1908. He sheltered in place like all of the priests during the Calles period. In civilian clothes and accompanied by his two elder brothers left to mountains where he was apprehended bound and sent to Colima. In Colima, General Flores immediately ordered the execution of the two brothers in a stable in the barracks on the dunk of horses. Father Miguel was gunned down as he was reciting the rosary.
Pedro Esqueda Ramirez (1887–1927) age at death 40
Born in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, at age 15 he entered the seminary in Guadalajara, but in 1914 the Seminary was forcibly seized and closed by the Government. He returned to San Juan de los Lagos and served as deacon. The seminary was reopened and in 1916 he was ordained. His mission was the education of children in the faith. In 1926 during the crackdown on the clergy the town tried to convince him to flee San Juan, but he continued to work, living in several private homes.
In 1927 he was arrested. In a miserable and dark room, he suffered the fierceness of scourges and other cruelties that caused the fracture of both arms. The incessant torture lasted 4 days; battered and full of wounds he was ordered to climb a tree by himself. The tree was to be a pyre for him to be burned alive. He was mercilessly shot by a high officer.
Margarito Flores Garcia (1899–1927) age at death 28
Born in the silver mining town of Taxco, Guerrero, he worked in the fields during his youth to support his poverty-stricken family. He entered the seminary in Chilapa and was ordained in 1924. After being appointed professor at the seminary he was forced to take refuge in Mexico City. He was arrested and released in Mexico City and decided to return to Guerrero where he was appointed pastor for a parish in Atenango. Father Margarito was captured upon his arrival, humiliated and later shot to death.
Jose Isabel Flores Varela (1866–1927) age at death 61
Born in San Juan de La Paz, Zacatecas, he was most distinguished graduate of the seminary of Guadalajara. A long-time friend denounced him to the municipal authorities. He was captured en route to a ranch to celebrate Mass, imprisoned, and offered his freedom in exchange for allegiance to Plutarco Elias Calles. Upon his refusal he was beheaded.
David Galvan Bermudes (1882–1915) age at death 33
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, he entered the seminary at age 14. Because of his love for the poor and for workers, he organized a worker’s union. Defender of the sanctity of marriage, he helped a young woman pursued by a married soldier by pretending to be her spouse, thereby earning the virulent enmity of the soldier. He and another priest, Jose Maria Araiza, were arrested as they ministered to wounded soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Enrique Vera, the married soldier whose enmity Galvan Bermudez had aroused earlier, had both of them shot.
Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Lucero (1892-1937) age at death 44
Born in Chihuahua, he was one of seven children. At age 17 he entered the seminary, which was shut down in 1914 due to the revolution. He continued his studies in El Paso, Texas. He was ordained in 1918 in El Paso and celebrated his first mass there. In 1924 he became the parish priest of Santa Isabel. He and other priests were targets of anti-Christian violence. The town’s name was changed from Santa Isabel to General Trias as part of the effort to erase references to Christianity from the state. He again fled to El Paso, returning to Boquillas del Rio not far from Santa Isabel. He continued to carry out his ministry until his death.
On Ash Wednesday 1937 (after the “official end” of the war) a group of drunken armed men discovered his location at a nearby ranch. He was brought barefoot to the town hall, where he was pistol whipped, fracturing his skull and dislodging his left eye from its socket. The next day Father died on the 19th anniversary of his First Solemn Mass. The death certificate recorded death due to severe brain trauma and injuries throughout his body caused by beatings. In 1937 was anyone charged with his beatings? That should have been Plutarco Elias Calles who was exiled into the US in 1936 and should have been charged with war crimes against his own people.
Dedicated to helping the poor and disadvantaged he was raised and educated as a poor orphan. He also worked with the Tarahumara people in Chihuahua. Farmers would ask him to bless their fields.
Peter of Jesus Maldonado is a patron of the Archdioceses of Chihuahua and the Diocese of El Paso, Texas. His individual feast day is February 11th the day of his death.
Jesus Mendez Montoya (1880–1928) age at death 48
Born in Tarimbaro Michoacan, he completed seminary studies in Michoacan and was ordained in 1906. At the time of his death, he was pastor of Valtierilla, Guerrero. Federal troops entered Valtierilla to suppress a small group of Cristeros in 1928. The soldiers found the house where Father Jesus was hiding. He was taken to the town Square and executed him by firing squad.
Justino Orona Madrigal (1877-1928) age at death 51
Born in Atoyac, Jalisco, he was the son of an extremely poor family. He entered Guadalajara’s Seminary and was ordained in 1904. When the persecution began, he decided to remain with his flock in Cuquio, hiding in a ranch in Las Cruces with his brothers, Jose Maria, and Toribio Ayala. In 1928 federal troops and the mayor of Cuquio entered the ranch. Father Justino opened the door and shouted, “Viva Cristo Rey!” and he was shot. His body was then deposited in the town square.
Sabas Reyes Salazar (1879-1927) age at death 48
Born in Cocula, Jalisco, into a poor family. He entered Guadalajara’s Seminary and was ordained in 1911. During the persecution he continued his priestly duties in Tototlan. When returning from a baptism during Easter Week, he was captured and treated with sadistically, being tied extremely tightly to a temple column and tortured for three days with no food or water and burning his hands with fire. On April 13, 1927, he was taken to the cemetery where they began riddling his body with bullets but still was heard faintly, “Viva Cristo Rey!”
Jose Maria Robles Hurtado (1888-1927) age at death 39
Born in Mascota, Jalisco, into a devout Roman Catholic family. He was ordained in 1913 at the age of 25. A few years later he founded the sisters of the Sacred Heart. He was called “Madman for the Sacred” for his preaching and personal example and great devotion to the Eucharist.
The Constitution of 1917 prohibited public devotional practices. Father Jose proposed the creation of a huge cross to be placed in the geographic center of Mexico. The cross would represent Mexico’s devotion to Christ as its king (The Sacred Heart). In open defiance 40,000 Roman Catholics made their way to the site for groundbreaking services.
At that point the government decided to crack down or intensify persecution of the Church including Father Jose for his actions. He was arrested and was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged from an oak tree. Upon arriving at the tree, he forgave his executioners. He took the noose into his own hands and said “Don’t dirty your hands” to the man who brought it, he kissed it and placed it around his own neck.
Toribio Romo Gonzalez (1900–1928) age at death 27
Born to peasant farmers in the countryside near Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, he was one of three siblings that became religious. He was ordained in 1923. During the persecution he hid with his religious brother and sister. He sent is brother away to safety and he and his sister remained in hiding where soldiers found him and shot him in his bed getting up from the bed a second shot mortally wounded him and he fall into the arms of his sister, who cried out, “Courage, Father Toribio! Merciful Christ receive him. Long live Christ the King!”
Jenaro Sánchez Delgadillo (1886-1927) age at death 40
Born in Agualele, Jalisco, he entered the seminary in Guadalajara and was ordained in 1911. His focus was on teaching religion to the children. In 1923 he was appointed vicar of the village of Tecolotilan. In 1927 he was out hunting with friends in the village when he was arrested by soldiers and hanged from a tree. He was later brought down from the tree and one of the soldiers stabbed him in the chest with a bayonet killing him.
Tranquilino Ubiarco Robles (1899-1928) age at death 29
Born in Zapotlan el Grande, Jalisco, he was ordained in 1923. Five years later, as he prepared for a nuptial mass, he was captured by soldiers and was hanged. His cadaver was guarded by his sister, Teodora, and later, a lady arranged to have him buried in her property.
David Uribe Velasco (1888–1927) age at death 39
Born in Buenavista de Cuellar, Guerrero, David was the seventh of eleven children. He enrolled in the seminary in Chilapa and was ordained in 1913.
In 1927 he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in Cuernavaca, Morelos, from whence he was later taken to San Jose Vidal, Morelos where he would be shot.
Driven to his place of execution, he knelt and begged God for forgiveness of his sins and for the salvation of Mexico and its church. Standing in front of his executioners he asked them to kneel down for his blessing. “With, all my heart I forgive you and I only ask that you pray to God for my soul. As for me, I will not forget when I am before him.”
He firmly raised his right hand and delivered the sign of the cross. He distributed his watch, his rosary, a crucifix and other objects among the men and was then shot to death.
Martyred Laymen
Anacieto Gonzalez Flores (1888–1927) age at death 38
Born in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, into a very humble family, his vocation was not in the priesthood, so he left the seminary and entered law school where he was an outstanding student. In 1922 he married Maria Conception Guerrero and they had two children. Anacieto was a prolific writer and engaged in non-violent protest against Plutarco Calles. When that failed, he supported armed resistance, not taking up arms but delivering speeches encouraging support for the Cristeros. His speeches were seasoned with remarks such as, “A return to Christ is inescapable if one expects to live in a civilized manner.” And, “Civilization is the result of the Truth applied to its ultimate consequences.” In 1927 he was captured, brutally tortured, and martyred by firing squad.
Manuel Moralez (1898–1926) age at death 28
Born in the village of Mesillas, Zacatecas, he entered the seminary in Durango but had to drop out to support his poor family. After leaving the seminary he became a baker, married, and had three children. After leading the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty, he was arrested along with the priests Luis Batiz Sainz, David Roldan Lara, and Salvador Lara Puente. All were beaten and tortured and taken into the mountains to be executed. Father Luis pleaded with the soldiers to spare Manuel since he was the father of three children. Manuel answered that he was dying for God and that his children would be protected by God. All four were executed by firing squad.
David Roldan Lara (1902-1926) age at death 24
A year after his birth in Chalchihuities Zacatecas, his father died leaving his mother to raise him and an older brother. He entered the seminary in Durango but dropped out to support his struggling family. He was arrested and shot along with his cousin after witnessing the assassination of their pastor Batis and Manuel Moralez (see above).
Salvador Lara Puente (1905-1926) age at death 21
Salvador was a martyred youth who had abandoned his studies at the Durango seminary in order to assist his family financially. While working as a miner, he remained active in pastoral work with Mexican Youth for Catholic Action (president) and the National League Secretary. He was arrested and shot along with his cousin after witnessing the assassination of their pastor Batiz and Manuel Morales (see above).
Jose (Joselito) Sanchez del Rio (1913-1928) age at death 14
José de Jesús Sánchez del Río went to visit the tomb of a Cristeros martyr in 1927, and asked God to let him also die in defense of the faith.
Despite being just a boy, Joséito joined the Cristeros, a movement trying to defend religious liberty in the country. He carried out simple tasks, such as helping with the logistics for those who were fighting the battle for the faith
Captured and tortured by cutting off the skin from his feet he was led to a cemetery, where he was stabbed by the soldiers. With each strike, he shouted, “Long live Christ the King!” Then a military leader shot him twice in the head, put his lifeless body in a small grave and covered him with dirt in 1928.
“Blessed José Sánchez del Río should inspire us all, especially young people,” Cardinal José Saraiva Martins said during the homily of his beatification in 2005 in Guadalajara, “to be capable of giving witness to Christ in our daily lives.”