Blessed Miguel Gómez Loza

Biography

Blessed Miguel Gómez Loza, also known as Miguel Gomez, was born on August 11, 1808, in El Refugio (also known as Paredones), Jalisco, Mexico. He was born into a peasant family and unfortunately, his father died when he was very young. Despite the hardships, Miguel was a pious and devout boy from an early age, dedicating himself to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

As he grew older, he became actively involved in promoting the social doctrine of the Church and joined the Catholic Association of Mexican Youth. In 1922, he married María Guadalupe Sánchez Barragán, and together they had three children. Miguel's dedication to the faith extended beyond his personal life, and he sought to defend the rights of the poor through his work as a lawyer.

Miguel relentlessly advocated for the marginalized and oppressed, which brought him into conflict with the authorities who did not appreciate his efforts. As a result, he faced numerous arrests, a total of 59 times, on various charges. Additionally, he encountered physical violence at the hands of thugs who sought to discourage his endeavors.

In 1927, Miguel joined a group that fought against the anti-Church forces of the Mexican Revolution, specifically defending religious freedom. This stance only intensified the opposition he faced from those in power. Despite the danger, Miguel remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to fight for justice and the rights of the Church and its followers.

On March 21, 1928, in Atotonilco, Jalisco, Mexico, Miguel Gómez Loza was martyred for his unwavering faith and commitment to the Church. His courageous stand against religious persecution ultimately cost him his life, making him a martyr for the Catholic faith.

Recognizing his sacrifice, Pope John Paul II declared Miguel Gómez Loza venerable on June 22, 2004, with a decree of martyrdom. Later, on November 20, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI beatified him, acknowledging his heroic virtues and his significant contribution to the defense of religious freedom and the rights of the poor.

The feast day of Blessed Miguel Gómez Loza is celebrated on March 21st, commemorating the day of his martyrdom and inviting the faithful to reflect upon his life and legacy. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice, defending religious freedom, and advocating for the marginalized in the face of adversity.