Viva Cristo Rey

What does it mean to say that Christ is King? Today’s homily discusses how the faithful in Mexico help us to answer this question. During the 1920’2 and 30’s a severe persecution of the Church was being carried out by those in power in the Mexican government. It was essentially made illegal to be Catholic and thousands of priests and faithful were rounded up, tortured, and killed. In self defense the faithful banded together in a resistance army composed of what came to be known as “Cristeros.” Their famous battle cry was “Viva Cristo Rey…Long Live Christ the King.”

One of the most well-known priests at this time was Fr. Miguel Pro. He is now Blessed Miguel Pro and is one step away from being canonized a saint. Today’s homily shares his dramatic story which culminated in his execution as a martyr for Christ. In the seconds before he died he was able to yell once more “Viva Cristo Rey.” On this Solemnity of Christ the King may all of us take up this battle cry and truly make Christ the King of our lives.

  
Blessed Miguel Pro, Pray for Us