Saint Roman Adame Rosales

Biography

Saint Roman Adame Rosales, also known as Romanus, was a devoted Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving the people of Nochistlán, Zacatecas, Mexico. He was ordained on 30 November 1890 and became the parish priest of Nochistlán in 1913, a position he faithfully held until his death. Saint Roman was particularly renowned for his ministry to the sick and his unwavering devotion to Our Lady. He tirelessly cared for the physical and spiritual needs of his community, offering solace and hope to those in need. His compassionate nature led him to build several chapels in the areas surrounding Nochistlán, providing sacred spaces for prayer and worship. Driven by his deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Roman founded the Daughters of Mary of Nocturnal Adoration, a religious congregation dedicated to adoring and praying in the presence of the Eucharist during nighttime hours. By establishing this congregation, he sought to foster a greater devotion to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and to bring comfort to those who sought solace in the late hours of the night. However, Saint Roman's ministry was soon threatened by the government's increasing persecution of religion. In order to continue his work, he was forced to take his ministry underground, operating in secret to avoid detection. Despite these challenges, he never wavered in his commitment to serve God and his community. Tragically, on 18 April 1927, while conducting a Lenten service at Rancho Veladones, Saint Roman was betrayed by one of the attendees, who informed Colonel Quinones of his whereabouts. The following day, he was arrested and taken to Mexticacan, Mexico, where he endured harsh conditions and mistreatment. He was then forced to walk miles to the parish at Yhualica, where Colonel Quinones had taken over the rectory for his own personal use. During his captivity, Saint Roman was tied to an outdoor post during the day, thrown into a cell at night, and denied access to food and water. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to pray for strength and guidance. Local laypeople, recognizing the sanctity of Saint Roman, offered to purchase his freedom from Colonel Quinones. However, the colonel deceitfully demanded a bribe of $6,000, which he promptly pocketed without releasing the priest. He then callously ordered Father Roman's execution, disregarding the pleas of those who sought to prevent this cruel act. Even among the soldiers tasked with carrying out the execution, one named Antonio Carillo refused to participate in shooting Saint Roman. Unfortunately, the other soldiers obeyed the order, and Father Roman Adame Rosales was martyred for his faith on 21 April 1927 in a cemetery near Yhualica, Jalisco, Mexico. Recognizing his heroic virtue and fidelity to Christ, Pope John Paul II declared Saint Roman a martyr on 7 March 1992. On 22 November 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging his exceptional holiness and the sacrifice he made for his faith and his people. Finally, on 21 May 2000, during the Jubilee of Mexico, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Roman Adame Rosales, honoring him as a saint of the Catholic Church. His feast days are celebrated on 21 April, the day of his martyrdom, and on 21 May as one of the Martyrs of the Mexican Revolution. Though Saint Roman had no defined patronage, his life continues to inspire and his intercession is sought by countless faithful souls who seek his guidance, strength, and protection. As a true martyr and servant of God, he stands as a shining example of courage and devotion, reminding us of the power of faith even in the face of persecution and adversity.