David Roldán Lara
David Roldán Lara was a Mexican layman and pro-Catholic activist who was executed during the Cristero War for refusing to renounce his faith. He is remembered as one of the 25 Martyrs of the Cristero War, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
- Feast Day
- 15
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Mexico
Key Facts
- ›David Roldán Lara was born on March 2, 1902, in Chalchihuites, Zacatecas, Mexico.
- ›He was an active member of the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty (LNDNR).
- ›Roldán was arrested in July 1926 along with other LNDNR leaders and was imprisoned and tortured.
- ›He was executed by firing squad on August 15, 1926, after refusing to renounce President Plutarco Elías Calles' anti-religious laws.
- ›He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on may 21, 2000.
- ›His individual feast day is August 15.
About David Roldán Lara
David Roldán Lara (1902–1926)
David Roldán Lara was a Mexican layman who became a martyr during the Cristero War. Born on March 2, 1902, in Chalchihuites, Zacatecas, Mexico, he was raised in a Catholic household. After attending Catholic schools and serving as an altar boy, he briefly entered the seminary of the Archdiocese of Durango but left to support his family.
Life and Religious Activism
In his adulthood, Roldán became engaged and worked in a local mine. He was a prominent figure in Catholic activism, assisting the priest Luis Batiz Sáinz in directing Catholic Action of Mexican Youth, of which he was president until 1925. He also served as vice president of the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty (LNDNR). This organization was active in opposing the anticlerical policies of President Plutarco Elías Calles.
Capture and Execution
On July 29, 1926, following an LNDNR meeting, Father Batiz was arrested. A few days later, Roldán, along with other LNDNR leaders Manuel Moralez and Salvador Lara Puente, met to discuss Father Batiz's release through legal means. They were subsequently arrested by soldiers, imprisoned in the town hall, and subjected to beatings and torture.
On August 15, 1926, Roldán and his companions were taken by soldiers and told they were being transported to the state capital. Instead, they were led to a secluded area in the mountains. Accused of conspiring against the government, they were offered freedom if they renounced their stance against President Calles' anti-religious laws. All four refused. Roldán and Lara were then shot by a firing squad, with one soldier administering a final blow to Roldán. He died on August 15, 1926.
Canonization and Legacy
David Roldán Lara was declared Venerable on March 7, 1992, by Pope John Paul II. He was beatified on November 22, 1992, and subsequently canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, as one of the 25 Martyrs of the Cristero War. His individual feast day is observed on August 15. Today, a parish church in the Diocese of Tampico bears his name.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was David Roldán Lara?
David Roldán Lara was a Mexican layman and pro-Catholic activist who lived from 1902 to 1926. He was a prominent figure during the Cristero War, a period of conflict in Mexico over anticlerical laws.
Why is David Roldán Lara considered a martyr?
David Roldán Lara was executed by government forces on August 15, 1926, for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith and his opposition to President Plutarco Elías Calles' anti-religious laws. His refusal to compromise his beliefs in the face of death led to his martyrdom.
When was David Roldán Lara canonized?
David Roldán Lara was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, as one of the 25 Martyrs of the Cristero War. He was declared Venerable in 1992 and beatified in the same year.
What is the feast day of David Roldán Lara?
The individual feast day of David Roldán Lara is celebrated on August 15, which is the anniversary of his death. The collective feast day for the Martyrs of the Cristero War is May 21.
What was David Roldán Lara's role in the Cristero War?
David Roldán Lara was an activist who opposed the anticlerical policies of President Plutarco Elías Calles. He was vice president of the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty (LNDNR) and assisted in directing Catholic Action of Mexican Youth.
Related Saints
Manuel Moralez
Manuel Morales Cervantes was a Mexican layman and pro-Catholic activist who was executed during the Cristero War. He is remembered for his steadfast refusal to renounce his religious beliefs in the face of government persecution. Morales was canonized as one of the 25 Saints of the Cristero War.
Agustín Caloca Cortés
Agustín Caloca Cortés was a Mexican Catholic priest and martyr who died during the Cristero War. He is remembered for his martyrdom alongside Cristóbal Magallanes Jara and other companions, refusing freedom unless his fellow priest was also released.
David Galván Bermúdez
David Galván Bermúdez was a Mexican Catholic priest martyred during the Cristero War. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 as one of the 25 Martyrs of the Cristero War. He is remembered for his dedication to serving the poor and his fortitude in the face of execution.