Ask for the intercession of the saints and blesseds that declared Christ as King!

The ¡Viva Cristo Rey! program celebrates the sanctity of the Mexican Martyrs, including members of the Knights of Columbus, who were killed for their faith during the religious persecution of Catholics by the Mexican government in the early 20th century. During the persecution, which led to “La Cristiada,” or the “Cristero War,” priests, missionaries and members of religious orders were expelled from the country, more than a million Mexicans migrated to the United States seeking refuge and others spontaneously organized to defend themselves against government oppression, some peacefully and others taking up arms under the banner of “Cristo Rey y Santa María de Guadalupe” or “Christ the King and Holy Mary of Guadalupe.”

Prayer to the Mexican Martyrs

Almighty God, the martyrdom of Saint Mateo
Correa Magallanes and his priest companions
who were Knights of Columbus reveals that
violence and hatred are only overcome by the
spirit of peace and charity; and it manifests
your love for the nation of the Guadalupana.
These brother Knights live on in our minds
and hearts for, as they sacrificed their lives
for the sake of the Gospel, they witnessed
that your love is eternal and your truth can
never be compromised. Let their death-cry of
fidelity to Jesus Christ encourage us to be
courageous in faith and to remain loyal
Knights of Columbus.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen

2027 Program

On May 21st, 2027, John Paul II Council will be honoring The Mexican Martyrs by hosting a prayer service and showing of the movie For Greater Glory. This movie creatively depicts one man’s life and ultimately his conversion during The Cristero Wars. The event will take place at St Patrick’s Community Hall. A schedule of the events is below:

Event	Time
Prayer to the Mexican Martyrs	6pm
Snacks Served	6:15pm
Movie Begins	6:30pm

More information about the individual martyrs can be found Mexican Martyrs of The Cristero War