St. José Luis Sánchez del Río

The story of St. José Luis Sánchez del Río, affectionately known as "Joselito," is a profound testament to courage and unwavering faith. Below is the synthesized chronological account of his life, from his pious youth to his ultimate sacrifice.

Early Life and the Call to Faith (1913–1926)

Born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, José was the third of four children. Raised in a home of deep Catholic conviction, he developed an early and intense devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

His childhood coincided with a period of intense religious upheaval in Mexico. By the time José was 13, the Cristero War had erupted. This conflict was a response to the "Calles Law," a series of socialist, anti-clerical measures enforced by President Plutarco Elías Calles to extinguish the influence of the Catholic Church.

The Young Cristero (1927)

While his older brothers joined the rebellion, José’s youth initially barred him from service. Both his mother and the Cristero general, Prudencio Mendoza, refused his enlistment. However, José’s resolve was unshakable. He famously pleaded with his mother:

"Mama, do not let me lose the opportunity to gain Heaven so easily so soon."

Moved by his persistence, the Cristeros eventually accepted him as a flagbearer and bugler. His infectious joy and gallantry earned him the nickname "Tarcisius," after the young Roman martyr who died protecting the Eucharist. Even in the camps, José led the Holy Rosary each night, fortifying the spirits of the men.

Sacrifice and Capture (February 1928)

On February 5, 1928, during a fierce battle near Cotija, the general’s horse was killed. Without hesitation, José dismounted and surrendered his own horse to the general, insisting: "Save yourself, even if they kill me. I don’t need to do it and you do."

Captured by government forces, José was brought before a socialist general who offered him a chance to live—and even flourish—if he joined the government ranks. José refused vehemently, declaring himself a soldier of Christ. He was subsequently imprisoned in a dark dungeon, where he wrote a final, poignant letter to his mother, resigning himself to the will of God.

The Way of the Cross (February 10, 1928)

José’s final hours were marked by unimaginable cruelty. To break his spirit, his captors skinned the soles of his feet with a knife. They then forced him to walk barefoot through the rocky streets toward the cemetery. Despite the agony, José did not cry out in pain, but instead shouted:

"¡Viva Cristo Rey! ¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!"

Upon reaching the cemetery, he was forced to stand at the edge of his own grave. Given one last chance to deny his faith, he instead asked for a message to be sent to his father: "We will see each other in heaven." He was stabbed multiple times and finally shot in the head. He was only 14 years old.

Legacy and Canonization

Initially buried without a coffin or shroud, José’s remains were later moved to the Church of Santiago Apóstol in Sahuayo. His sacrifice served as a beacon of hope for persecuted Christians throughout Mexico and the world.

• Beatified: November 20, 2005, by Pope Benedict XVI.

• Canonized: October 16, 2016, by Pope Francis.

• Patronage: Persecuted Christians, youth, and children.

Today, St. José Luis Sánchez del Río stands as a "relatable" hero for modern youth—a reminder that one is never too young to stand for justice and truth. 

For me, when I was confirmed, He had lived to 17 days younger than I was when I was confirmed Joselito was born on March 28, 1913, and was martyred on February 10, 1928. 5,432 days vs. I was born in May of 2000, and confirmed in April 2015 (exact dates withheld). 5,449 days

¡Viva Cristo Rey!