Execution in Mexico

"Execution in Mexico: Deaths of Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales". A large study published in 1996, Mark L. Grover Senior Librarian and Bibliographer for Latin America, Harold B. Lee Library of Brigham Young University.

He makes a thorough analysis using all references to his hand, oral histories and testimonies of the execution of Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales. To see the full study go to the archive section (English only)

The study concludes as follows:

Conclusion

Rafael and Vicente and their families became victims of a conflict over control of Mexico unfortunately too many factors combined against the Monroy family for them to remain unaffected by the war:

1) First Rafael had openly given at least moral support to the opposing army

2) Second his connections with foreigners: the mormon missionaries, the mormon colonists and especially his US brother in law made him suspect the town knew that he was purchasing land for the purpose of bringing the displaced US colonists to the area.

3) Third he and Vicente were perceived as protestants during a conflict having an anti protestant component

4) And fourth Rafael was a merchant and fairly well to do this combination of factors encouraged his neighbors to turn him in to the Zapatista army officers who in turn made the decision to execute Rafael and his cousin because they perceived the two as threats to their revolution.

But for many the execution is more than a story of innocent victims caught in a conflict for power in Mexico.

Their story as told by Rey L. Pratt and retold by missionaries and members has become primarily a tale of religious martyrdom regardless of the interpretation placed on the motives and events leading to the executions.

Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales dedication and faithfulness to the gospel are unquestioned and their story is an important part of the history of the church in Mexico the legacy of the faith, strength and resilience left Jesucita, Rafael, Vicente, Guadalupe and other members of the Monroy family and the San Marcos

branch are important examples to present day members although the branch of San Marcos has grown into a ward of faithful members the small village has changed little in eighty years the Monroy store is still open run by descendants of Jesucita and the graves are still decorated by family members on special days and visited by members of the church who have heard the story of Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales.

Below photgraphs included in this study:

You can see the complete study in the Files in this Web site