Viva Cristo Rey!

Viva Cristo Rey!

Blessed Miguel Pro- Mexican Martyr

The firing squad raised their rifles, aimed and waited for the command to fire. The small man before them raised his arms like Jesus on the Cross, a crucifix in one hand and his rosary in the other. As the captain gave the order to fire, the man yelled

“Viva Cristo Rey”!

Long Live Christ the King

Father Miguel Pro died a martyr in his native Mexico for being a priest to his people. His execution took place on November 23, 1927. He was 36 years old.

Miguel Agustin Pro was born in 1891. He was a lively talented child. He entered the Jesuits and was sent to Europe for his education. He was ordained a priest in Belgium in 1926. He asked to be sent back to Mexico even though the church was being persecuted and priests were considered criminals. The churches were closed and the people were without the Sacraments.

He returned and spent a year in secret ministry to bring the people the sacraments. He was constantly on the run from the police. Hundreds of priests and religious were being killed by the government. He would don disguises. Dressing as a beggar he would go to a home to perform a Baptism or marry a young couple or bring the anointing of the sick to the elderly. Masquerading as a policeman, he entered a prison to deliver Viaticum to a condemned Catholic. To call on a wealthy family, he would dress as a rich business man.

One time he was being chased by the police, jumped in a taxi, sped around a corner, jumped out, lit a cigarette, grabbed a pretty senorita and started strolling arm and arm with. her as the police sped by.

The police were looking everywhere for him. They knew he was saying secret Masses, hearing confessions, and bringing Christ to Catholics. Eventually he was betrayed, falsely accused and executed without trial.

Some months before he died, he told a friend that he thought he might die a martyr. He said if he did to be sure to pray for him because he would be generous in dispensing favors.

Blessed Miguel Pro, Pray for us and give us your courage, zeal and love to save souls and bring all to Christ.

VIVA CRISTO REY