St. José Luis Sánchez del Río

A long time ago, in the country of Mexico, there lived a boy named José Luis Sánchez del Río. His family and friends called him Joselito. He was born on March 28, 1913, in a town called Sahuayo. Joselito loved Jesus very much and had a special love for Our Lady of Guadalupe.

When Joselito was growing up, some people in the government made unfair rules. These rules said that Catholics could not go to Mass or pray in churches, and priests and nuns were not allowed to wear their special clothes. This made many people sad because they loved Jesus and wanted to worship Him freely.

Joselito’s two big brothers joined a group of brave people called the Cristeros, who stood up for their faith. Joselito wanted to help too, even though he was only 14 years old! His parents didn’t want him to go because they worried he was too young, but Joselito said,

“Mama, do not let me lose the chance to gain Heaven so easily and so soon.”

Finally, his parents said yes, and Joselito joined the Cristeros to help. He was full of courage and faith!

One day, during a battle, Joselito helped his general by giving him his horse so the general could escape safely. Joselito was captured by soldiers who didn’t believe in God. They told him he could go free if he stopped believing in Jesus. But Joselito said he would never turn away from Jesus!

Even when the soldiers were very mean to him, Joselito prayed the Rosary and sang songs to Our Lady of Guadalupe. When they told him to shout “death to Christ the King,” he cried out instead,

“Viva Cristo Rey!” — which means “Long live Christ the King!”

Joselito showed that even children can be very brave for Jesus. He died loving Jesus with all his heart on February 10, 1928.

Saint José Luis Sánchez del Río reminds us that we can love Jesus with courage and joy, no matter our age. He teaches us to pray, to stay strong in our faith, and to always keep Heaven as our greatest goal.