St. José Sánchez del Río was a young Mexican martyr who gave his life for Christ during the Cristero War, a period of violent persecution against the Catholic Church in Mexico. Though only a boy, José desired to defend the faith and joined the Cristeros after witnessing attacks against priests and the faithful. Filled with courage and devotion, he served the Catholic cause with remarkable zeal despite his young age.
After being captured by government forces, José was pressured to renounce his faith in order to save his life. He refused every offer of freedom, remaining steadfast in loyalty to Christ and the Church. His captors tortured him brutally, cutting the soles of his feet and forcing him to walk to his place of execution. Throughout his suffering, José prayed and proclaimed his faith boldly.
Before his martyrdom in 1928, he declared: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (“Long live Christ the King!”). His heroic witness became a powerful example of youthful holiness, courage, and unwavering fidelity to God even unto death.
Canonization of Saint José Sánchez del Río (2016)
Pope Francis formally canonizes José as a saint of the Catholic Church.
Acts of the Martyrdom of José Sánchez del Río
Historical accounts describing José’s imprisonment, torture, and martyrdom during the Cristero War.
Cristero War Historical Records (1926–1929)
Accounts of the persecution of Catholics in Mexico and José’s witness of faith.
Patron of:
Persecuted Christians, Youth, Cristeros, Mexican Catholics
Feast Day:
February 10
Illustration by: Colton Rompala