Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio

In 1927, Catholic Mexico was suffering extreme religious persecution. Christian soldiers, known as Cristeros, took up arms to defend their faith and families. After begging to join, 14-year-old Jose Sanchez del Rio became the generals flagbearer. He was captured in 1928 and tortured, suffering devastating wounds to his feet. Joses captors ordered him to denounce Christ, but instead he shouted the Cristero battle-cry before his death: Viva Cristo Rey!Feast Day: February 10Patronage: Courage, Mexico, Persecution, Youth