One of my favorite movies is "For Greater Glory," starring Andy Garcia. This beautifully portrays the bravery of the Cristeros, who were martyred during the Catholic persecution in Mexico, which began in 1917, following the revolution. The cry of those who defended the faith was ¡Viva Cristo Rey! (Long Live Christ the King!)
St. John Paul II beatified thirteen of the martyrs from this Cristiada period on the Feast of Christ the King, in the year 2000. Between 1926 an
d 1929, 90,000 people were killed during the persecution of the faithful in Mexico. 35 martyrs were canonized, and 15 others recently declared blessed. The martyrs included several priests, Knights of Columbus, and a 15 year old boy, Jose Sanchez del Rio—who was tortured and killed.
St. Cristobal Magallenes was arrested on his way to offer Mass at a farm. He gave his possessions to his executioners and provided them with absolution. St. Cristobal and St. Agustin Caloca were martyred together, without trial. St. Crisobal’s last words were “I die innocent, and ask God that my blood may serve to unite my Mexican brethren.” The martyrs drew their strength to give witness from Jesus, our Eucharist King, in Mass and Adoration, and devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. Their feast day is celebrated on May 21.
When Pope Pius XI wrote the encyclical Quas Primas, instituting the Solemnity of Christ the King, he reflected on the connection between devotion to Christ's Kingship and His Sacred Heart.
Please join in this beautiful consecration to Christ the King, which may be prayed publicly, and invite others to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus too.
Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united to Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates ourselves today to Thy Most Sacred Heart.
Many indeed have never known Thee; Many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful children, who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children, who have abandoned Thee; Grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry; praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; To it be glory and honor forever. R. Amen.
On this Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, I want to share an article that I wrote last year. It is on page 12 of the North Country Catholic:
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