Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia

Biography

Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia, born on 26 April 1877 in Cotija, Michoacan, Mexico, was one of eleven children born to Prudenzio Guizar and Natividad Valencia, who were wealthy and devout landowners. From a young age, Rafael was influenced by his pious family and grew in love for God. Following his calling, Rafael was ordained as a priest in 1901. Recognizing the need for spiritual guidance and support throughout Mexico, he conducted missions in various regions of the country. In 1903, he founded the Congregation of Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope, dedicated to evangelization and providing hope to those in need. Becoming an apostolic missionary in 1905, Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia took on the role of a spiritual director in the major seminary of Zamora, Mexico. Inspired by the Gospel's call to serve the poor, he used his family's financial resources to establish a school for impoverished girls. Furthermore, he founded two colleges for boys, promoting education as a means to uplift his community. In 1911, during a period of state persecution against the Church, Rafael's Congregation was dissolved, and his missionary work was prohibited. Nevertheless, Father Rafael carried on his mission clandestinely, often disguised as a travelling merchant or musician. He risked his life to minister to the poor and preached whenever possible, despite being shot at several times by soldiers. As the authorities became increasingly close to capturing him, Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia fled Mexico in 1916. He initially sought refuge in the United States before finding temporary sanctuary in Guatemala, where he preached missions for a year. From 1917 to 1919, he continued his missionary work in Cuba, bringing the love of Christ to the people there. On 1 August 1919, while preaching in Havana, Saint Rafael received word of his appointment as Bishop of Veracruz-Jalapa, Mexico. Recognizing the importance of this role, he returned to Mexico, arriving in Veracruz on 4 January 1920. Despite facing escalating persecution from the government, he was determined to continue his work of spreading the Gospel and defending the rights of the Church. The government persecution intensified, leading to the closure of the diocesan seminary in Veracruz. Unyielding in his commitment to the priesthood and formation of future priests, Bishop Rafael transferred his students to Mexico City and continued their training covertly. In 1931, Governor Tejada of Veracruz issued a decree limiting the number of priests allowed per Catholic population. In protest, Saint Rafael closed all of his churches. Governor Tejeda, fearing the potential uprising that killing such a revered figure would cause, initially ordered Bishop Rafael to be shot on sight. However, when faced with the bishop's resolute faith and determination, he revoked the death sentence. Remaining outspoken in the face of government opposition, Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia devoted the remainder of his days to fighting for the Church's rights. He passed away on 6 June 1938, in Mexico City, of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast faith and unwavering dedication to the Gospel. Recognizing his extraordinary virtues and commitment to the Church, Pope John Paul II declared Rafael Guízar Y Valencia venerable on 27 November 1981. Later, on 29 January 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him. Finally, on 15 October 2006, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia, acknowledging his sanctity and setting him forth as an example for all Catholics. While Saint Rafael Guízar Y Valencia does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity for their faith. His remarkable story reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of spreading God's love, even in the most challenging circumstances.