Feast Day of Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, S.J.

Today at Mass, Fr. Paul shared the story of Blessed Miguel Pro during his homily. He told us that it wasn't that long ago that this happened. That got me thinking that this saint was martyred on November 23rd, 1927. That would have made my father 11 days old.

My mom and I were discussing him today and she asked me why he is still considered blessed when he was martyred. Shouldn't he be Saint Miguel Pro?

Padre Miguel Pro kneeling in prayer before execution
The Firing Squad
Photo source: Here

"Viva Cristo Rey"

For more photos of that fateful day and a chronological report of what occurred, Check out this site. However, it is in Spanish. I will briefly explain the scenes below:

Scene 1: Six soldiers are ready to fire. The are surrounded by a wall and curious onlookers or witnesses to what is about to occur.

Scene 2: The officials in charge of the execution: Roberto Cruz, the police inspector. He is the one with his hand in his pocket. Next to him is Antonio Gómez Velasco, an integral part of the Presidency.

Scene 3: Padre Miguel Agustin taking the walk of the condemned man to the location of his execution.

Scene 4: Padre Miguel Austin, moments before his martyrdom, ask the official for permission to pray.

Scene 5: This is the most famous of all the photos taken of Padre Pro. It is the one with his arms outstretched. He serenely awaits the assail of bullets that will take him home. In one hand, he is holding his Rosary.

Scene 6: A soldier delivers the coup de grace. After Padre Pro is killed, his companions follow the same fate...Luis Segura Vilchis, Humberto Pro y Juan Tirado Arias. These four men were given the title of the Martyrs of Cristo Rey by Liga Nacional Defensora de la Libertad Religiosa