The relics of the six Knights of Columbus priest martyrs of Mexico – canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 – will visit Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Planada, CA., for the Solemn Mass of Blessing and Dedication of the “Knights of Columbus, Mexican Martyrs Shrine” Saturday, November 17, 6:30pm, with His Excellency, Bishop Armando X. Ochoa; D.D.

Veneration of the Martyrs of Mexico Relics will immediately follow the Mass through the night until 6am Sunday, Nov 18.

The six priest martyrs whose relics will be in the Diocese of Fresno — Fathers Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Lucero, Miguel de la Mora de la Mora, Jose Maria Robles Hurtado, Luis Batiz Sainz, Rodrigo Aguilar Alemán, and Mateo Correa Magallanes — all died for their faith at the hands of the Mexican government during the religious persecution in Mexico in the early 20th century.

“It is our hope that the pilgrimage of these relics will remind us all of the sacrifices made on behalf of religious liberty on this continent less than 100 years ago.” “It is a timely reminder that, from ancient Rome to 1920s Mexico to today, persecution does not stifle the faith, but emboldens it.” - Supreme Knight of Columbus Carl Anderson

Ruben Quezada is a leading expert on the persecution of the Catholic Church in Mexico in the 1920’s. Quezada is a national Catholic speaker, the Director of the Catholic Resource Center and St. Joseph Communications and the best-selling author of the official companion book For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada.

On Friday, November 16, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ruben will present Cristiada, a powerful audio/visual presentation on the Cristero War and Mexico’s struggle for religious freedom. This presentation is offered in English at 6pm and in Spanish at 8pm.

The Diocese of Fresno and St. John’s Cathedral will host The Reliquary of the Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs, Sunday, November 18. Procession with the reliquary begins on “T” Street at 1:15pm. Mass will be celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Armando X. Ochoa; D. D. at 1:30pm. Veneration of the relics will immediately follow until 4:30pm.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
9317 Amistad St
Planada, CA 95365
(209) 382-0459

Friday, November 16, 6pm(English) & 8pm (Spanish)
Saturday, November 17, 6:30pm

St. John’s Cathedral
2814 Mariposa St.
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 485-6210

Sunday, November 18, 1:30pm

History of the Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs

For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada

Copyright 2012 Brian Kravec

About the Author

Brian K. Kravec

Brian K. Kravec

Brian is a cradle Catholic, husband and father. He's the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Possibility Productions, a 501(c)(3) faith event evangelization apostolate in service of the Body of Christ. Brian has proudly served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno on the Board of Directors for KNXT Catholic Television, is the Steward of St. Patrick’s Faith Event Ministry for his local parish and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Brian and his wife are consecrated members of the Militia Immaculata. For information on the MI and Total Consecration visit Consecration.com.