On February 10, we honor Saint José Sánchez del Río, the 14-year-old martyr of the Cristero War who died defending his Catholic faith in Mexico.
Newsroom (10/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) Each February 10, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint José Sánchez del Río, a Mexican boy whose steadfast faith and courageous death at only fourteen continue to inspire Catholics around the world. Known affectionately as “Joselito,” he was martyred in 1928 for refusing to renounce his faith amid one of the darkest periods in Mexico’s religious history—the Cristero War.
Born in 1913, José grew up in a family deeply rooted in Catholic devotion. When Mexico’s government, under President Plutarco Elías Calles, enacted harsh anti-clerical laws in 1926, religious practice was outlawed, churches were closed, and priests were persecuted. From this persecution arose a movement of faithful Catholics known as the Cristeros, who fought to defend their right to worship freely. Among them was young José Sánchez del Río.
A Child’s Prayer for Martyrdom
When José’s family moved to Guadalajara, he visited the tomb of the martyred lawyer Anacleto González Flores. Inspired by González’s sacrifice, José prayed for the grace to die a martyr for his faith. His devotion soon led him to beg his parents for permission to join the Cristeros, who initially resisted because of his age. Eventually, he was allowed to serve as a flag-bearer carrying the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe — a role of honor and faith rather than combat.
Fearless Devotion in a Time of Terror
Even before joining the Cristeros, José lived his faith boldly. Despite the threats of the regime, he continued attending catechism classes and receiving the sacraments secretly. At home, he prayed the Rosary daily with his family, never hiding his deep love for Christ, even when doing so placed his life in danger.
A Hero’s Sacrifice
On February 6, 1928, during a battle, the horse of Cristero commander Luis Guízar Morfín was shot. Without hesitation, José offered his own horse so that the commander could flee. “My general, take my horse and save yourself; you are more necessary to the cause than I am,” he said. His selflessness saved his commander’s life but led to his own capture.
Imprisoned in His Own Baptistery
Captured on February 7, 1928, Joselito was imprisoned in the very church where he had been baptized — the Church of Santiago Apóstol in Sahuayo. The sacred space, desecrated and turned into a stable by government troops, became his cell. There, he witnessed how roosters were trained and kept in what had been the tabernacle and presbytery. Outraged, José killed the birds and declared, “The house of God is for prayer, not for use as an animal stable. I am prepared for anything. You can shoot me.” Even in captivity, his courage and reverence for God did not waver.
Betrayed by His Godfather
Tragically, it was José’s own First Communion godfather, Rafael Picazo Sánchez, who ordered his imprisonment and eventual death. Once close to the Sánchez del Río family, Picazo was by then an official loyal to the anti-Catholic regime. He tried to bribe José with promises of wealth and education if he would renounce his faith. José refused every offer, declaring that his faith was “not for sale.”
Tortured Yet Unbroken
When persuasion failed, Picazo demanded a ransom from José’s family. His father gathered the money, but José insisted they not pay, saying he had already offered his life to God. Enraged, the soldiers began torturing him. At the inn where he was held, they tore the skin from the soles of his feet and forced him to walk barefoot through the streets toward the cemetery. Beaten and bleeding, he still shouted the same defiant words that echoed through the Cristero uprising: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (“Long live Christ the King!”) and “¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!” When they reached the cemetery, the soldiers stabbed him repeatedly before their commander finally shot him twice in the head. It was 11:30 p.m. on February 10, 1928.
A Legacy of Faith
The story of Saint José Sánchez del Río is one of unshakable conviction and youthful heroism. His final words, his courageous defiance, and his deep love for Christ transformed him into a symbol of faith stronger than fear. Canonized by Pope Francis, he remains a witness to the power of conscience and the sanctity of faith, even in the face of death. On his feast day, the Church honors not only a child martyr, but a boy who lived — and died — believing that eternity was worth every sacrifice.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI prensa
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