​Jose Sanchez del Rio: Hero for Christ the King

Summary

The video script narrates the inspiring story of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio, a 15-year-old martyr who stood valiantly for his Catholic faith during the anti-religious persecution in Mexico in the 1920s. Born in 1913, Jose joined the Cristeros in resistance against the socialist government's oppressive laws. Despite his young age, he showed immense courage and faith, even in the face of brutal torture and execution on February 10, 1928. His unwavering devotion and sacrifice led to his canonization in 2016, and he is now revered as a symbol of fortitude and religious devotion.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio was a young martyr who fought for his Catholic faith during a time of conflict between the Catholic Church and the state of Mexico.
• 📜 The Mexican Constitution of 1917 and subsequent laws led to the persecution of the Catholic Church, including the exile of priests and the confiscation of church property.
• 🚫 Public practice of Catholicism was prohibited, and religious education was taken under state control, with severe penalties for those who defied these laws.
• 🗡️ The Cristeros, a group of Catholics, resisted the anti-religious policies of the government, with Jose Sanchez Del Rio joining their ranks at a young age.
• 🏠 Jose was born in Sahuayo and witnessed the persecution of the church, which inspired him to join the Cristeros despite his parents' initial reluctance.
• 🐎 Jose served as a standard-bearer and performed various duties for the Cristeros, showing enthusiasm and dedication to his faith and cause.
• 🔫 In a battle, Jose bravely offered his horse to General Luis Quezada Morphin and provided covering fire, leading to his capture by the Federales.
• 📝 Jose wrote a letter to his mother, expressing his readiness to die for his faith and urging his family to remain steadfast in their beliefs.
• 🏛️ Jose was imprisoned and witnessed the desecration of a church by the Federales, which further fueled his determination to defend his faith.
• 🗡️ Despite being tortured, Jose refused to denounce his faith or join the anti-Catholic side, showing unwavering courage and conviction.
• ✝️ Jose Sanchez Del Rio was executed on February 10th, 1928, after enduring brutal torture and maintaining his faith until the end, ultimately being declared a saint on October 16th, 2016.

Q & A

Who is the main character of the story mentioned in the script?

The main character of the story is Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio.

What was the conflict between the Catholic Church and the state of Mexico during Jose's lifetime?

The conflict was sparked by the Mexican Constitution of 1917, which was socialist at its core and aimed to put the church under strict state control, leading to a long and terrible conflict.

What actions did the state of Mexico take against the Catholic Church after the enforcement of the new constitution?

The state exiled priests, Archbishops, and bishops, confiscated church property, prohibited public practice of the Catholic religion, removed education from the church's care, and made religious vows illegal.

What was the name of the resistance movement that arose among the Catholics in response to the state's actions?

The resistance movement was called the Cristeros.

How old was Jose Sanchez Del Rio when he joined the Cristeros?

Jose Sanchez Del Rio was 14 years old when he joined the Cristeros.

What role did Jose play in the Cristeros, and how did the soldiers perceive him?

Jose played the role of a standard-bearer under the care of General Luis Quezada Morphin. The soldiers became fond of him due to his enthusiasm in performing daily duties.

What happened to Jose during the battle between the Cristeros and the Federales on February 6, 1928?

Jose saw the general's horse get shot, and he offered his own horse to the general. He stayed behind to provide covering fire and was eventually captured by the Federales.

What was the content of the letter Jose wrote to his mother while imprisoned?

In the letter, Jose expressed his belief that he would die soon, asked his mother to resign herself to God's will, and told his brothers to follow his example and do God's will.

How did Jose react to the sacrilegious behavior of his captors in the church?

Jose was outraged by their behavior and killed the fighting birds by snapping their necks one by one.

What was the method of execution chosen for Jose by his captors?

Instead of a formal firing squad, the Federales cut the soles of Jose's feet, beat him, and forced him to walk barefoot and bleeding to his execution site.

When and how was Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio declared a saint?

Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio was declared a saint on October 16, 2016.

Outlines

00:00

🛡️ The Martyrdom of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio

This paragraph introduces the story of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio, a young Catholic martyr who lived during the tumultuous times of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. It sets the stage for the conflict between the Catholic Church and the state, leading to the enforcement of anti-Catholic laws and the rise of the Cristeros resistance. The young Saint Jose, born in 1913, witnesses the persecution of the church and, inspired by his older brothers, joins the Christian movement against his parents' wishes. Despite his youth, he is accepted into the Cristero ranks and serves under General Luis Quezada Morphin, showing great enthusiasm and dedication. His bravery is tested during a battle where he aids a general in retreat, leading to his capture and subsequent torture by the Federales. His unwavering faith and refusal to denounce his beliefs are highlighted in his interactions with a Federal General who tries to convince him to join the anti-Catholic side.

05:02

🗡️ The Execution and Martyrdom of a Young Saint

The second paragraph details the final moments of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio's life, from his imprisonment to his execution. It describes the attempts to convince him to abandon his faith, including a proposal to attend military school and become a Federal officer, which he vehemently rejects. Jose's captors' sacrilegious behavior inside the church incites his outrage, leading to a confrontation that results in him killing the disrespecting soldiers. His godfather, Rafael Picasso, in a fit of rage, decides to execute Jose. Before his execution, Jose receives the Blessed Sacrament in secret and shares a heartfelt goodbye with his aunt. The execution is brutal, with Jose enduring physical torment while proclaiming 'Viva Cristo Rey' with each blow. His final act of defiance and his murder by a Federal officer are recounted, followed by the aftermath of his burial and the spread of his story across Mexico. The paragraph concludes with his canonization on October 16th, 2016, and a call to emulate his virtues and pray for his intercession.

Keywords

💡Catholic faith

Catholic faith refers to the religious beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. In the video, it is the driving force behind the actions of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio, who is portrayed as a young martyr fighting for his faith amidst religious persecution in Mexico.

💡Mexican constitution of 1917

The Mexican constitution of 1917 was a legal document that established a secular state and sparked conflict with the Catholic Church due to its socialist principles. It aimed to control the church and led to the enforcement of laws that restricted public religious practices, as depicted in the video.

💡Cristeros

Cristeros were members of a group of Catholics who resisted the anti-clerical laws of the Mexican government during the 1920s. In the script, they are presented as the heroic resistance against the government's persecution of the Catholic Church, with Jose Sanchez Del Rio being a part of this movement.

💡Martyr

A martyr is someone who is killed or suffers persecution for their religious beliefs. Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio is referred to as a martyr in the video, having died at the age of 15 for his Catholic faith during the Cristero War.

💡Religious persecution

Religious persecution refers to the systematic mistreatment of individuals or groups due to their religious beliefs. The video describes the harsh treatment of Catholics in Mexico, including the exile of priests, the confiscation of church property, and the prohibition of public religious practices.

💡Standard-bearer

A standard-bearer is a person who carries a flag or standard, often in a military context. In the video, Jose Sanchez Del Rio is given the duty of standard-bearer by General Luis Quezada Morphin, symbolizing his role in the Cristero movement.

💡Viva Cristo Rey

Viva Cristo Rey is a Spanish phrase meaning 'Long live Christ the King,' which was a rallying cry for the Cristeros. In the video, it is used by Jose Sanchez Del Rio as a declaration of his faith and resistance, even in the face of death.

💡Execution

Execution refers to the act of carrying out a sentence of death as a form of capital punishment. In the script, the execution of Jose Sanchez Del Rio is a pivotal moment that highlights the severity of the religious conflict and his unwavering faith.

💡Holy Communion

Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is a sacrament in the Catholic Church where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ. The video mentions Jose receiving Holy Communion for the last time before his execution, emphasizing his deep religious devotion.

💡Martyrdom

Martyrdom is the act of suffering or dying for a belief or cause. The video narrates the story of Jose Sanchez Del Rio's martyrdom, which is a central theme illustrating the sacrifices made by those who stood up for their faith during the Cristero War.

💡Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio

Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio is the young protagonist of the video, canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church for his unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice. His story serves as an example of courage and devotion in the face of religious persecution.

Highlights

Introduction of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio, a young Catholic martyr.

Historical context of Mexico during the Mexican constitution of 1917 and the conflict between the Catholic Church and the state.

Enforcement of anti-Catholic laws by President Calles, including exile of priests and confiscation of church property.

The rise of the Cristeros movement in response to the persecution of the Catholic Church.

Birth and early life of Jose Sanchez Del Rio, witnessing the persecution of the church.

Jose's decision to join the Cristeros despite his young age.

Daily duties performed by Jose in the Cristero movement and his dedication to faith.

Jose's bravery in battle, offering his horse to General Quezada Morphin during an ambush.

Capture and mistreatment of Jose by the Federales, including physical abuse and blasphemy.

Jose's unwavering faith and refusal to join the anti-Catholic side despite imprisonment.

The writing of Jose's letter to his mother, expressing his readiness to die for his faith.

Desecration of the Catholic Church in Soweto and Jose's reaction to the sacrilegious acts.

Jose's execution and his final moments, proclaiming 'Viva Cristo Rey'.

The aftermath of Jose's death, including his burial and the spread of his story throughout Mexico.

Jose Sanchez Del Rio's canonization as a saint on October 16th, 2016.

Call to imitate the virtues of Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio and pray for his intercession.

Transcripts

today we're going to tell you a story

about a young man who fought for his

Catholic faith and died a martyr at the

age of 15 his name is Saint Jose Sanchez

Del Rio

but first let's put you in the picture

as far as what was happening in Mexico

during his lifetime because our young

Saint lived in tumultuous times the

Mexican constitution of 1917 socialists

at its core sparked a long and terrible

conflict between the Catholic Church and

the state of Mexico to put the church

under the strict control of the state

and when pitaka kaya's took power in

1920 the new constitution was brutally

enforced

he sent more than two hundred priests

into exile along with a number of

Archbishop's and bishops the lake ayahs

or kaya's law of July 31st 1926

prohibited the practice of the Catholic

religion in public all education was

removed from the care of the church and

put under direct state control religious

vows were illegal monasteries and

convents were dissolved and religious

could no longer use habits all church

property was confiscated those who did

not obey these immoral laws or even

spoke against them were fined or

imprisoned a serious or repeated offense

often meant execution so the socialist

government was waging a bloody war

against the Catholic Church but God rose

up a strong reaction to Cristeros their

heroic resistance called the Kristiana

began in 1926 among these Catholics we

find the heroic figure of Jose Sanchez

Del Rio the young Saint was born on

March 28 1913 in soil Mucha con Jose

witnessed the horrible persecution of

the church and following his two older

brothers he decided to join the

Christian movement but he was so young

that his parents didn't want him to go

however after a lot of pleading and a

visit to a Cristero officer who was they

finally got his parents to say yes Hosea

was overjoyed but also aware of the

suffering he would injure and before

departing he declared for Jesus Christ I

will do everything Jose and a friend

trinidad flores set off to a Cristero

after a long journey they presented

themselves to the officer in charge and

were given daily duties to perform like

carrying water serving coffee feeding

the horses and cleaning rifles Jose went

about these chores so enthusiastically

that the soldiers soon became fond of

him he never missed attending daily Mass

and prayed the rosary every morning with

the soldiers soon he learned to play the

bugle for battle and was put under the

care of general Luis Quezada Morphin who

with the intention of protecting the lad

gave him the duty of standard-bearer

but even in this position Jose would

still see combat On February 6 1928 the

Cristeros ambushed the federales between

cotija and yucca pond but it didn't go

well and soon the order was given to

retreat to his amazement Jose saw the

generals horse get shot leaving the

general sprawling on the ground

Jose rushed over jumped off his own

horse and said general here is my horse

but the general told him run boy go

Jose insisted I am young you're more

important than me Viva Cristo Rey

overtaken by the boys sacrifice the

general accepted the horse and fled

while Jose stayed and provided covering

fire for his fellow Cristeros but it

wasn't long before he was captured by

the Federals who pushed hit kicked and

insulted him while yelling foul

blasphemies another young boy Lorenzo

was captured as well and their execution

was stalled by a federal General who

asked the two boys to join the

anti-catholic side but Jose said you

have captured me because I ran out of

ammo but I have not given up surprised

by the answer the general threw Jose and

Lorenzo into a prison at cotija as the

early morning Sun shone through the tiny

window in Jose's cell he wrote a letter

to his mother dated in February 6th 1928

my dear mother I think I will die soon

but I do not care mother resign yourself

to the will of God I will die happy

because I die on the side of our Lord

tell my brothers to follow the example

that their youngest brother leaves them

and do the will of God

of courage and send me your blessing

along with my father's send my regards

to everyone one last time and finally

received the heart of your son who loves

you so much and who wanted to see you

before dying Jose Sanchez Del Rio On

February 7th Jose and Lorenzo were

transferred from the prison in cotija to

the Catholic Church in Soweto which was

turned into a stable for animals by the

irreverent Federal's who vandalized the

altar

Jose looked at the floor strewn with

horse manure military supplies and empty

beer bottles he couldn't believe that

this was the same beautiful church where

he was baptized news of Jose's

imprisonment spread fast attempts were

made to obtain his release but the

soldiers refused to let him go

Jose's Godfather Rafael Picasso a

federal sympathizer slyly attempted to

convince Jose to attend military school

and become an officer in the Federal

Army Jose was shocked by the proposal

and replied I'd rather die first I will

never go with those monkeys never with

those persecutors of the church if you

let me go tomorrow I will return to the

Cristeros Viva Cristo Rey Viva la virgen

de guadalupe Jose was outraged by the

sacrilegious behavior of his captors who

released fighting inside the

church and had them fight in the sacred

sanctuary when they weren't fighting the

colorful birds roam freely poaching on

sacred objects even on the tabernacle

but Jose couldn't take it anymore

so what did he do he killed them all by

snapping their necks one by one the next

morning when Picasso saw what Jose did

he was enraged because a wrenched Jose

up by the arm and screamed don't you

realize what you did don't you know the

cost of a rooster but Jose replied the

only thing I know is that the house of

God is not a Corral or a barnyard I am

willing to endure everything shoot me

now so I can go before our Lord

so On February 10th Picasso made up his

mind to execute his godson 30 minutes

before the execution

Jose's aunt Magdalena brought him dinner

at her request a priest hid the Blessed

Sacrament in the food package

this allowed Jose to secretly receive

Holy Communion for the last time then

choking back tears he said to his aunt

we will see each other and heaven soon

finally the day of his martyrdom arrived

Picasso wanted the execution to be done

quietly without formal firing squad

instead the federales cut the soles of

Jose's feet with a knife they brutally

beat him over and over but with each cut

and each savage blow he shouted Viva

Cristo Rey then the guards made Jose

walk ten blocks or so barefoot and

bleeding along a rocky path to the

cemetery where he would be buried along

the way the soldiers screamed

blasphemies with satanic hatred praising

the godless government trying to

pressure the boy to deny his faith

saying you better learn your lesson

we're gonna kill you and what a proud

and arrogant boy arriving at the

cemetery

Jose asked where is my plot because he

didn't want the body of a martyr to be

touched by a communist at this one of

the soldiers suddenly swung his rifle

breaking Jose's jaw with a but without

hesitation the soldiers furiously

stabbed him in the neck chest and back

with knives and every stab Jose

proclaimed the name of Christ the king

at the top of his lungs Viva Cristo Rey

Jose was dying slowly but he still

mustered enough energy to defy the

soldiers saying you have done a lot to

me but God still allows me to continue

but when I can no longer speak if I

wiggle my feet that means Viva Cristo

Rey and the Virgin of Guadalupe

unbelievable courage then a federal

officer approached the dying and

bleeding boy on the ground and asked in

a sarcastic tone what should we tell

your father Jose answered that we will

see each other in heaven in a fit of

rage the officer pulled out his pistol

and shot him directly behind the ear

killing him instantly

at that moment Jose Sanchez Del Rio won

the crown of martyrdom

the Federals tossed the boy's body into

the grave shoveled some dirt over it and

left

Louise Gomez the Undertaker ran into the

house of Jose's uncle father Ignacio

Sanchez

to ask him to come and pray the prayers

for the dead over Jose together they

wrapped the boy's mangled body and a

blanket and give him a proper Christian

burial news of this boy martyrs heroic

life spread like wildfire all over

Mexico and people started to pray to him

and rightly so for he was declared a

saint on October 16th 2016 let us

imitate the virtues of this young saint

fortitude valor faith Holy audacity hope

and charity

let us pray for the grace to have the

same enthusiasm to defend the laws of

god that are under attack today and to

endure all hardships for the greater

glory of God and Holy Mother Church

Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio pray for us

Viva Cristo Rey