St. José Sánchez del Río

The children and young people who come to know more intimately Saint José Sánchez del Río will, according to his example and with the help of his intercession, grow in their love of Christ the King and His Mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe. —Cardinal Burke

The Life of Saint José Sánchez

The Cristero Wars - Fighting for Faith

Saint José Sánchez del Río was a flagbearer for the Cristero army, fighting against Mexico’s oppressive, anti-Catholic government. The Cristero Wars were not that long ago, 1926-1929. (About 100 years ago)
His Family

St. José Sánchez del Río was the youngest in a devout Mexican family, and grew up with a special love for Our Lady of Guadalupe. At that time, however, the government of Mexico was trying to drive the Catholic Church out of the country, closing churches, killing priests, and forbidding the practice of the Faith. Despite the persecution, José went as often as he could to receive the sacraments and attend catechism classes in secret, and prayed the Rosary with his family every day.

When José was thirteen years old, a rebel army of Catholics, known as Cristeros, assembled to fight against the government’s persecution. José’s older brothers joined the Cristeros, and José wanted to go as well. At first, because he was so young, neither his mother nor the Cristero general would allow him to enlist. José begged to be allowed, saying that by dying as a soldier for Jesus, he would go to Heaven quickly. At last his mother gave permission, and the Cristeros accepted José as a flagbearer.
His Capture

Before long, the young soldier got his chance for martyrdom. In a battle with government troops, the Cristero general’s horse was killed. José gave up his own horse so that the general could escape. Since he could not run far without a horse, José took cover and went on shooting until he was captured.

Government officials imprisoned José in his own parish church, which had been turned into a jail, and tried to force him to give up his faith by cruel treatment and threats of death. Instead José prayed the Rosary in his cell, receiving strength from Our Lady of Guadalupe, just as he always had. He wrote to his family, saying that he was happy to go to Heaven. Before he died, his relatives secretly brought him Communion, hidden in a basket of food.
Martyrdom

After sixteen days as a prisoner, José got his wish of dying a martyr. He died on February 10, 1928, repeating, “¡Viva Cristo Rey! Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!” (“Long live Christ the King! Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!”) He is a patron of young people and of Christians suffering for their faith, and a friend for all who want to grow in faith and courage.

St. José died rather than renounce his faith. He is a young man who lived his faith and was not afraid.

Road to Sainthood

Who is called to Sainthood?

All Christians are called to be saints. Saints are persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation.

USCCB
Stage I – Examining the Life of a Candidate for Sainthood
Phase 1: Diocesan or Eparchial Level
Five years must pass

The pope can dispense from this waiting period

The bishop of the diocese in which the person dies begins the investigation

Consultations with the episcopal conference begin

The tribunal will investigate the heroic virtues of the candidate’s life and death

Cardinal Virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude

Theological Virtues: faith, hope, and charity

Witnesses, writings, and other documents are gathered and examined

USCCB
Phase II: Congregation for the Causes of Saints
Once the diocesan investigation is finished

The investigations and reports are sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints

From the documents the ‘Positio’ or summary of the documentary evidence is prepared

9 theologians examine the ‘Positio’ and vote whether or not to pass the cause to the cardinals and bishops in the Congregation

If the judgement is favorable, the cause is presented to the pope

The pope can then declare them Venerable or Blessed

Venerable: Lived a virtuous life
Blessed: Have been martyred

USCCB
Stage II – Beatification
Stage III – Canonization

Sainthood Quizlet: Matching, Flashcards, and more!

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St. José Sánchez del Río

The Life of Saint José Sánchez

The Cristero Wars - Fighting for Faith

His Family

His Capture

Martyrdom

What is Martyrdom?

Road to Sainthood

Who is called to Sainthood?

Stage I – Examining the Life of a Candidate for Sainthood

Phase 1: Diocesan or Eparchial Level

Phase II: Congregation for the Causes of Saints

Stage II – Beatification

Stage III – Canonization

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Sainthood Quizlet: Matching, Flashcards, and more!

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