Blessed Anacleto González Flores

Biography

Blessed Anacleto González Flores, also known as Anaclete Gonzales Flores, was born on 13 July 1888 in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, Mexico. He was the second of twelve children born to Valentín González Sanitiz and Maria Flores Navaho. Anacleto grew up in a devout Catholic family and his strong faith became a defining aspect of his life.

Anacleto González Flores initially felt called to the priesthood and entered the seminary. However, after discernment, he realized that he did not have a vocation to the priesthood and made the difficult decision to drop out. Despite this, he continued to foster his thirst for knowledge and dedicated himself to the study of law.

After leaving the seminary, Anacleto pursued a career as a lawyer and became an active member of the legal community in the archdiocese of Guadalajara. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he remained deeply involved in his faith and actively participated in various Catholic organizations.

Anacleto was married to María Concepción Guerrero, and they were blessed with two children. Despite his familial responsibilities, Anacleto maintained a strong spiritual life. He attended Mass daily, sought to support the marginalized and oppressed, visited prisoners, and taught catechism to children.

Anacleto's commitment to his Catholic faith and his desire to combat the anti-Catholic actions of the Mexican government led him to become a prominent figure in the Catholic Association of Mexican Youth (AJCM). In an effort to defend the rights and religious freedoms of Catholics, Anacleto founded the magazine La Palabra, which served as a platform to speak out against the government's oppressive policies.

Realizing the need for organized peaceful opposition, Anacleto also founded the Popular Union, an organization aimed at rallying Catholics in peaceful resistance against the Calle government's anti-Catholic measures. However, as official repression escalated into violence and murder, Anacleto's advocacy took a more urgent tone.

Anacleto González Flores courageously used his voice to denounce the government's actions and urged people to support and aid the rebels in what became known as the Cristero War. His writings and speeches became a source of inspiration and rallying point for those who sought to defend their faith.

However, Anacleto became a target of the government's crackdown on Catholic leaders. He was arrested on false charges of murdering an American, Edgar Wilkens. Despite being innocent, he was subjected to torture and mutilation as the authorities attempted to extract a false confession from him.

Refusing to yield to their demands, Anacleto González Flores remained steadfast in his faith until the end. On 1 April 1927, he was unjustly executed by a firing squad in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. His martyrdom became a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to his Catholic beliefs, and he was recognized as a true hero of the faith.

Blessed Anacleto González Flores was venerated by Pope John Paul II on 22 June 2004. In a deeply meaningful ceremony, he was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on 20 November 2005. The celebration of his recognition was led by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins and took place in a soccer stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, symbolically demonstrating the broad impact Anacleto had on the faith and the people he served.

Today, Blessed Anacleto González Flores is remembered as a martyr and a courageous defender of Catholicism in a time of great suppression and violence. His life and sacrifice continue to inspire generations to stand up for the faith, even in the face of adversity.