Tiny Saints - St. Jose Sanchez del Rio - Patron of Courage, Youth, Persecution, Mexico

In 1927, Catholic Mexico was suffering from extreme religious persecution. Soldiers of faith, known as Cristeros, took up arms in defense of their faith and families. After begging to join the fight, 14-year-old Jose Sanchez del Rio served alongside the army general. He was taken prisoner in 1928 and suffered violent torture, including devastating wounds to his feet. Jose’s captors ordered him to denounce his faith, but instead he shouted the words of a true Cristero before his death: “Viva Cristo Rey!!!”