When Did José Sánchez del Río Become a Saint? A Story of Courage

12 May 2024

Josè Sanchez del Rio, il piccolo martire proclamato Santo

In the tapestry of history, certain lives shimmer with a luminescence that transcends the passage of time. They become beacons of courage, faith, and resilience, reminding us of the potential for human beings to embody extraordinary virtues, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The story of José Sánchez del Río is one such radiant thread, woven into the fabric of 20th-century Mexico.

Born in 1913, José, affectionately called "Joselito," grew up during a turbulent period in Mexican history. The Cristero War, a counter-revolution against government persecution of Catholics, was raging, testing the limits of faith and loyalty. Young José, deeply devoted to his faith, felt the call to defend his beliefs, even as a teenager. He yearned to join the Cristeros, those who fought for religious freedom.

Initially, his mother resisted, fearing for her son's safety. But José's determination, coupled with his unwavering belief in the righteousness of the cause, eventually swayed her. He joined the Cristeros, serving as a flag-bearer, a symbol of unwavering spirit amidst the chaos of war. His youth, far from making him a liability, seemed to inspire those around him. José's fervor, his willingness to face danger head-on, resonated with the soldiers, reminding them of what they were fighting for.

In 1928, José was captured by government forces. His captors, recognizing the symbolic power of this young boy's faith, sought to break him. They offered him freedom, even wealth, if he would simply renounce his faith. But José refused. He would not betray what he held most dear. He endured torture, his young body subjected to unspeakable cruelty. Still, he refused to recant.

His final hours were a testament to his unwavering faith. As he was led to his execution, José, his feet flayed and unable to walk, crawled to the designated spot. He was allowed to write a letter to his mother, words penned with a hand trembling from pain, yet filled with an unshakeable love for his family and his God. Then, on February 10, 1928, José Sánchez del Río, just fourteen years old, was brutally murdered. But his spirit remained unbroken.

José's story, a testament to unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable cruelty, resonated deeply within the Catholic community. He became a symbol of martyrdom, his name whispered with reverence and admiration. The process for his sainthood began decades later, culminating in his beatification in 2005. And finally, on October 16, 2016, Pope Francis officially recognized José Sánchez del Río as a saint.

The question "When did José Sánchez del Río become a saint?" extends beyond a mere date on a calendar. It speaks to the enduring power of his story, a story that transcends borders and time. José's unwavering commitment to his faith, his courage in the face of unimaginable suffering, continues to inspire people around the world. His life is a testament to the power of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring legacy of a young boy who chose death over the betrayal of his beliefs.