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Martyr of the 20th Century
Fr. Miguel Augustin Pro, SJ, executed by a
rabidly anti-Catholic government in 1927, was a role model for the
Mexican Martyrs who followed him. Although he knew it meant sure death, he
obeyed his superiors and returned to minister to his flock in the huge
Diocese of Mexico City. He played cat and mouse with the authorities, using
elaborate disguises until he was caught. He stood before the firing squad,
and forgave those who were about to shoot him. With a cross in one hand, a
rosary in the other, he cried out
"Viva Cristo Rey!"
The government,
in hopes of showing the priest pleading for his life photographed the
execution; documenting Fr. Pro’s act of faith.
Pope John Paul II
beatified Miguel Pro in 1988.
On Sunday, October
5, members of one of the Oblate chapels in the La Morita area of Tijuana
celebrated the martyr with a festive procession and Mass. Fr. Juan
Curran, OMI, a native of Massachusetts, celebrated the liturgy in honor of
Blessed Miguel Pro. |
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