Catholic Fine Art

Ramon Vargras Gonzalez +

Born 1905. Beatified after publication of 2004 Roman Martyrology. Joseph Anacleto Gonzalez Flores, Joseph Dionisius Louis Padilla Gómez, George and Ramón Vargas González, Joseph Luciano Ezekiel Huerta Gutiérrez, Salvador Huerta Gutiérrez, Michael Gómez Loza, Louis Magaña Servín, Joseph Sánchez del Río and Fr Ángel Darío Acosta Zurita


From vatican.va:

Jorge and Ramón Vargas González were born in Ahualulco de Mercado, Jalisco, Mexico. Jorge Ramón was born on 28 September 1899 and Ramón Vicente was born on 22 January 1905.

Jorge worked for a hydroelectric company and Ramón pursued the study of medicine. They were both active members of the ACJM.


After a long day of work, Jorge would dress in overalls and ride his bicycle, accompanying Fr Lino Aguirre on the rounds of his hidden sacramental ministry to help ensure his safety.


Ramón was always concerned for the health of the poor and helped them without seeking anything in return. He was known for his joyful spirit and his strong Catholic identity.


During the persecution, the Vargas González family gave refuge to a number of priests and seminarians. Anacleto González Flores was staying with them in March of 1927.


On the morning of 1 April 1927 the secret police completely surrounded the family home, shouting: "Open the door in the name of the law!". They stormed in and arrested everyone, including the two brothers, their mother and a younger brother, Florentino.


The Vargas González family was accused of having hidden a "wanted" priest in their home and were taken to the Colorado jail.


As they were being led down the street, Ramón was able to escape unnoticed; but a little while later he turned back and rejoined the rest. When asked why he had not fled, Ramón replied: "I told myself, my mother and my brothers are prisoners; am I to run away?".


In jail, Florentino was separated from his two brothers, who were put in a cell next to Luis Padilla Gómez and Anacleto González Flores. They knew they were going to be executed. But before being killed they were interrogated and tortured, remaining silent throughout.


Taken out to be shot, the four recited the Act of Contrition. Before the bullets were fired, Ramón made the sign of the cross and Jorge held a crucifix against his chest.


When the father of the two boys learned how his sons were killed, he said: "Now I know, it is not condolences that I need, but congratulations; I have the fortune to have two sons who are martyrs".