​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.