Jose Sanchez del Rio

Jose Sanchez del Rio (1913 – 1928)

The Cristero Movement of 1920s Mexico produced many martyrs and even several saints. However, none has caught the imagination and heart of the world more than the fourteen-year-old boy who endured torture and death rather than deny his faith and love of Jesus Christ and the Church. His name is Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio.

Born into a devout Catholic family in the state of Michoacán, Joselito was a lively, mischievous boy who was fired with his faith, especially during the rise of the Mexican government’s violently anti-Catholic and anticlerical persecutions of the 1920s. Even though dozens of priests were hanged or shot for refusing to give up their faith, the Cristero Movement was essentially that of laypersons who rose against the Calles government under the banners of Christ and the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Too young to fight, Jose became a flag-bearer and was captured when he gave his horse to another soldier. Severely beaten by government soldiers, Jose was told his life would be spared if he denounced Christ. When Jose refused, the soldiers slashed his feet soles with knives and forced him to walk to his execution in the cemetery. Told once more to denounce Christ or die, Jose shouted, “Viva Cristo Rey!” (“Long Live Christ the King!”), and he was executed. Saint Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio was canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.

The Jose Sanchez del Rio tile was created in 2022. Our 12" X 12" signed and numbered reproduction is created on stretch canvas and is suitable for matting and framing.