Atop Guadalajara’s Cerro del Tesoro (“Treasure Hill”) sits the Sanctuary of the Martyrs of Christ the King, a massive monument dedicated to those who were killed during the 1920s persecution of Catholics by the Mexican government. It is the first site to permanently house relics of all the canonized and beatified Mexican martyrs. Among them are nine Knights of Columbus, including six priest-martyrs whose feast is celebrated May 21. Construction on the shrine began in 2007; though the work is not finished yet, it has already become an important place of pilgrimage for the Knights and other Catholic faithful in Mexico.
St. Luis Batis died with three laymen before a firing squad.
St. Rodrigo Aguilar was hanged as he declared his faith in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Miguel de la Mora prayed the rosary as he was shot within sight of his brother.
St. Pedro de Jesús Maldonado died after he was so savagely beaten that one eye was forced from its socket.
St. José Maria Robles was led to an oak, “roble” in Spanish, a word used for one who is a “pillar of strength.”
St. Mateo Correa was executed for refusing violate the seal of confession.
The Knights of Columbus played an important role in educating the American public and motivating the U.S. government to be a voice for peace and religious freedom in Mexico.
These saints and blesseds of the Knights of Columbus are models for the Columbian virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
During the religious persecution in Mexico, the Knights of Columbus became a symbol of all things Catholic: a hopeful sign to Mexican Catholics.
During his travel to Mexico, a retired priest reflects on the life and martyrdom of a Knights of Columbus martyr.
A new shrine in Guadalajara draws Knights and other pilgrims to venerate the Mexican martyrs.
The martyrdom of one Knights of Columbus priest in 1927 is depicted in the film For Greater Glory.
Actor Andy Garcia sits astride a black horse amid acres of scrub brush beneath a blue sky in Durango, Mexico.
This 30 minute documentary explores the untold story of the Cristero revolt against the repressive government of Mexican President Plutarco Calles in the 1920's.