Saint Miguel De La Mora

Biography

Saint Miguel de la Mora was born on June 19, 1874, in Tecalitl√°n, Jalisco, Mexico. He dedicated his life to the service of God and his fellow believers, joining the priesthood and being ordained in 1906. Father Miguel's devoutness and commitment to his ministry led him to become the Chaplain of the Cabildo of the Cathedral of Colima in 1912.

During a period of government persecution against the Catholic Church, Father Miguel was arrested in 1926 but was released on bail with a warning to cease his ministry. Despite the dangers, he remained steadfast in his faith and refused to abandon his parishioners in Colima. As the government closed churches and banned public worship, Father Miguel's friends urged him to flee the area for his own safety. However, he refused to leave Colima without a priest, determined to continue serving the spiritual needs of his community.

General Flores, who sought to establish a government-supported church free from Vatican loyalties, constantly harassed Father Miguel, pressuring him to join the planned church. Seeking respite from the persecution, Father Miguel sought refuge at his brother's ranch in El Rincón del Tigre. However, his attempt to escape the constant bullying was foiled when he was asked to perform a marriage while en route. Unfriendly locals overheard the request and informed the authorities, resulting in Father Miguel and his companions' arrest.

Outraged that Father Miguel was evading him, General Flores had the priest taken to a stable, where he was surrounded by piles of manure. There, Father Miguel was executed in front of his brother Regino. Undeterred by his gruesome situation, Father Miguel died while fervently praying the rosary for everyone present.

Saint Miguel de la Mora's martyrdom occurred on August 7, 1927, when he was shot by firing squad around noon in Cardona, Colima, Mexico. His relics are currently venerated in the Cathedral of Colima. Recognized for his unwavering faith and sacrifice, Father Miguel was beatified on November 22, 1992, by Pope John Paul II. Later, on May 21, 2000, during the Jubilee of Mexico, he was canonized as a saint by the same pontiff.

Saint Miguel de la Mora is commemorated on August 7 and also on May 21 as one of the Martyrs of the Mexican Revolution. His life and martyrdom serve as an inspiration to believers for his unyielding commitment to his faith, even in the face of extreme adversity and persecution.