May 7, 2014 update: Here is the latest development. All that’s left to do is wait. See link to our most recent news: Blessed José Sanchez del Rio.
May 15, 2013 – Please notice today’s update, below in bold.
January 23, 2013:
I’ve added one more photo of the sanctuary where the remains of Blessed José L. are kept in an urn in the parish church of Sahuayo. Also, I’ve been reading that the movie does not accurately depict his character. People who knew him say he would not have acted as he was portrayed in the movie, i.e., being disrespectful to a priest, nor was he ever a thief or a liar. He was said to be a virtuous child from his very early years.
Another point is that there are photos allegedly of him, wearing a military uniform. He did not wear military garb, so there is a disclaimer that the photo is of him.
October 8, 2012 update: I had been trying to acquire third class relics of Blessed José, but the rector of the Sanctuary of the Shrine of the Mexican Martyrs in Mexico wanted a religious house here in the U. S. to be the center for distributing them. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to pursue this.
A good friend of mine sent me some info on the child Cristero martyr, Blessed José Luis Sánchez del Río and initially, I declined to post it because as I told him, everybody knows about him and Fr. Pro. Well, he told me that certainly not everybody knows since he himself had only recently become aware of this little Cristero. So, here it is. It’s not what he sent me, but with the visuals, I think this is better:
José Luis Sánchez del Río was born on March 28, 1913,in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. He wanted to enlist as a Cristero along with his two older brothers, but because he was so young – 13 years of age – his mother would not permit it. He persisted in pleading with his mother, telling her that never would it be so easy to win heaven.
“Blessed José Luis Sanchez del Rio”, from the movie For Greater Glory
Then, after receiving her consent he had to convince General Prudencio Mendoza to accept him, something the General initially did not want to do, but did, upon condition that he would not actually be involved in battle. He would be the flag bearer, who after a selfless deed, was captured and suffered most cruel torments before being shot.
Wax figure of the Cristero martyr, Blessed José Luis Sánchez del Río
*The remains of Blessed José Luis Sánchez del Río rest in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in his hometown of Sahuayo. *(5/15/13) I contacted the parish church of the Sacred Heart about a week ago. Someone there told me that the remains are no longer at that church; they have been transferred to Parroquia Santiogo Apóstol, Sahuayo, Michoacan. They have a FB page here.
He was beatified on 20 November 2005 in the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. People have given him the title of The Martyr of Sahuayo and The Martyr of Christ the King.
Blessed Joselito, pray for us!
Vincent,
If you haven’t done so yet, write as soon as possible to the parish church where the relics are venerated. I have just found out that they have available 1st class relics of Blessed Jose. The reliquary is a nice one, made in Italy, and the cost for that is 900 peso plus mailing costs. The address: Parroquia Santiago Apostol, Calle Morelos e Insurgentes, Col. Michoacan, CP 59040, Sahuayo, Michoacan, Mexico. The request should be accompanied by a letter from your parish priest. Otherwise, you might not get it.
Fiat
Thank you very much Fiat for the information. We will work on this soonest.
Hopefully we will be successful!
With much thanks!
Vincent, I directed a previous inquiry like yours to the parish church where the relics of Blessed Jose S. Del Rio are kept. Here is their address: Parroquia Santiago Apostol, Calle Morelos e Insurgentes, Col. Michoacan, CP 59040, Sahuayo, Michoacan, Mexico.
You could write to them, preferably in Spanish, to make a request. I do not know if you would be able to get one, but you could try.
As to Blessed Miguel Pro, there is a different address for that, but I don’t have it handy. Let me take a look, and in a few days I might be able to get you the address.
God bless!
Fiat
I have just watched the film “Cristiada” and I am overwhelmed by the acts the Cristeros did for the faith. That film led me to your website. I believe it is wonderful that you are promoting the martyrs of El Cristo Rey. I myself have been looking into it.
I am from Manila myself and I am helping the parish of Christ the King here in Quezon City build a church in my capacity as an architect. It would be very good to obtain relics of the the Christ the King martyrs for the parish’s veneration.
Would you be able to point me to an address where we can obtain these relics especially for Bl. Joselito and Bl. Miguel Pro?
With much thanks!
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I pray you will be successful; surely it must be God who has given you these holy desires. I will add your intention to my daily rosary. Better yet, I think I will sign up for the novena of Masses which the ICR offers monthly. That will be my intention – that Blessed Jose del Rio come to be known, loved and venerated here in the U.S.
God bless! (I would be most grateful if you would keep in touch to let us know of any developments.)
Fiat
Thank you so much for your kind reply. As it happens, I know someone who is going to visit the area and has agreed to inquire for me. In the meantime, I will certainly discuss anything that can help with my Parish pastor which is, quite appropriately, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. I will let you know if I have success of any sort. Thank you and God bless you.
Dear Diane,
I have in the past contacted someone associated with the Shrine of the Cristero Martyrs in Mexico to inquire about relics. At that time I was told that they would have to deal directly with a religious house which would act as a center of distribution for relics and holy cards, etc. I would love to see such a center here in the U. S. but I don’t know of any community that would undertake that responsibility. I am praying your desires will see fruition because we really do need to become acquainted with the Cristeros, especially Bl. Jose. They are the martyrs for our times, and we desperately need to invoke their intercession.
I would like to be of help, but I don’t know what step to take next. Maybe praying and working together, we can do something. If you have the backing of your pastor, that would be a great start. Would he be willing to write a letter to the rector of the Shrine to ask for relics and holy cards? If so, I can obtain the address for him.
For now,
Fiat
Dear Sir:
My husband and I recently saw For Greater Glory, and I am consumed with the story of the brave and courageous Blessed Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio. I hope to approach the Pastor of my Parish (very appropriately, it is Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Centerport, NY) about establishing a shrine or memorial to Blessed Jose Luis. Before I do so, I would like to have information on any relic that may be available for such a shrine or memorial. Would you have any such information or know where I could obtain it?
Thank you very, very much. I greatly appreciate your time and assistance. God bless you.
A good source (close to the making of the film) says that the rumor is .. For Greater Glory’s DVD/BlueRay will be out September 11th 2012
I’ve been looking into it, Gordon. I might be able to get third class.
Hello, Louise,
Periodically, I check the local newspapers, and you are right. So, far, there has been nothing mentioned about the movie.
It’s a goddless world out there; it is frightening to think of what most likely lies ahead.
A friend of mine who is from Germany, and who lived through the Nazi regime, tells me most emphatically that she senses a repeat here in America of what happened to her country under Hitler.
God bless you and yours. May our Blessed Mother guard and protect you within her Immaculate Heart!
Thank you. Also, do you know where I may obtain prayer cards / relics of Cristeros including Bl Jose Luis Sanchez to use with our Council?
Thank you for posting this. This is truly amazing, hopeful, and inspiring. We are undergoing the possibility of the loss of our Religious Freedom in America. Everybody should see this movie and pray more fervently and live their God given Faith.
They will only show this movie for about one week in one theater! Shame on them! I will buy the dvd and see to it my whole family sees it! It seems only the senseless, immoral, and provocative movies are plastered in every theater and for an unlimited time!
God bless you for posting this beautiful web page!
Sincerely,
Louise
Gordon,
I will reply to your question with a separate post depicting authentic images of the Cristero’s flags.
Does anyone know what the words are around the Sacred Heart of Jesus battle flag / banner being carried by Blessed Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio? Is it authentic to this period? What does it say in English?
Please post in English so that we can all view it or read it.
Well, maybe we could, indeed, offer a prayer that Cardinal O’Malley connect the dots. There is a scene in the movie where a priest refuses Communion to the then agnostic, General Gorostieta.
You know, Cardinal O’Malley…like in refusing Communion to certain politicians who create scandal by their public life…
I will add you and your intentions to my daily prayers. Hang in there! It will entail suffering when the devil incites his minions for the final clash, but Our Lady of Fatima has assured us of victory. Glorious will be the resurrection of Christ’s Holy Church! May the blood of the martyrs descend upon our souls to fortify us.
In Their Sacred Hearts,
Fiat
Dear Fiat…Thank you once again ! I will add Bl Jose Luis Sanchez to my prayers along with those for the canonization of Bl Fr Pro. There is so much to learn about and pray for…unfortunately here in Boston there are precious few who truly care about Tradition. We are relegated to traveling around to find the TLM… I think we`ve finally found a good parish for Sunday …but who knows how long that will last. I did read that Cardinal O`Malley praised the movie, For Greater Glory…now if he would just connect the dots to see where we`re headed in this country! Time to get rid of the Liberals on his staff. Sorry didn`t mean to get off on a tirade here. Have a Blessed day, Theresa