San José Sánchez del Río: Feast Day & Story of a Mexican Martyr

Today marks the feast day of Saint José Sánchez del Río, a 14-year-traditional Mexican boy martyred during the Cristero War. He died on February 10, 1928, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, after refusing to renounce his Catholic faith under duress.

José Luis Sánchez del Río was born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, the third of four children. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong devotion to his faith and to Our Lady of Guadalupe, growing up amidst increasing anti-clerical sentiment within the Mexican government. The Cristero War, a widespread struggle against state-sponsored religious suppression, began when José was twelve years old.

The conflict arose from restrictions imposed by the Mexican government on the Catholic Church, including limitations on public worship and religious education. The government’s actions sparked resistance from devout Catholics, leading to the formation of the Cristeros – a largely civilian force composed of landowners, ranchers, and sharecroppers. José Sánchez del Río joined their ranks, actively participating in the defense of his faith.

Captured by government forces, José was subjected to torture in an attempt to force him to abandon his beliefs. Accounts detail severe physical abuse, including having his feet cut and being forced to walk barefoot over sharp stones. Despite the agonizing pain, he reportedly maintained his faith and refused to deny Christ. He is said to have shouted “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (“Long Live Christ the King!”) and “¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!” (“Long Live the Virgin of Guadalupe!”) as he was killed.

José Sánchez del Río was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016. His feast day is observed annually on February 10th. He is venerated as a patron saint of persecuted Christians, children, and adolescents.