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.
- Feast Day
- August 15
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Mexico
Key Facts
- ›Manuel Morales Cervantes was born on February 8, 1898, in Mesillas, Zacatecas, Mexico.
- ›He became a baker, married, and had three children after leaving the seminary.
- ›Morales was a leader in the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty (LNDNR).
- ›He was arrested with other LNDNR leaders after a meeting and imprisoned.
- ›Morales was executed by firing squad on August 15, 1926, for refusing to renounce his position on religious freedom.
- ›He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on may 21, 2000.
Manuel Morales Cervantes
About Manuel Moralez
Manuel Morales Cervantes
Manuel Morales Cervantes was a Mexican layman and a devout Catholic activist who became a martyr during the Cristero War. Born on February 8, 1898, in Mesillas, Zacatecas, Mexico, he later moved with his family to Chalchihuites. After a brief period in the seminary of the Archdiocese of Durango, he left to support his family, becoming a baker and marrying, with whom he had three children.
Religious Activism and Death
Morales was deeply involved in Catholic organizations dedicated to defending religious freedom. He served as secretary of his local Catholic Workers Union, was a member of Catholic Action (ACJM), and notably held the position of president of the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty (LNDNR). In this role, he organized meetings and advocated for peaceful means to restore religious freedom in Mexico, speaking out against anticlerical laws enacted under President Plutarco Elías Calles.
On July 29, 1926, following an LNDNR meeting he led, a priest, Luis Batiz Sáinz, was arrested. A few days later, Morales, along with two other LNDNR leaders, David Roldán and Salvador Lara, were arrested at Lara's home. They were imprisoned, beaten, and tortured in the town hall.
On August 15, 1926, Morales, along with Batiz, Roldán, and Lara, were taken by soldiers under the pretense of being brought to the state capital. Instead, they were driven to the mountains near Chalchihuites, where they were accused of conspiring against the government. The soldiers offered them freedom if they renounced their beliefs and acknowledged the legitimacy of President Calles' anti-religious laws. All four refused.
Morales and Batiz were brought forward, and despite pleas for Morales' release due to his family, Morales declared, "I am dying for God, and God will care for my children." He is reported to have cried, "Long live Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe!" before being killed by firing squad. Roldán and Lara were shot afterward.
Canonization
Manuel Morales was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, as one of the 25 Martyrs of the Cristero War. The group had been declared Venerable on March 7, 1992, and beatified on November 22, 1992, by the same Pope. His individual feast day is celebrated on August 15, the anniversary of his death.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Manuel Morales Cervantes?
Manuel Morales Cervantes was a Mexican layman and pro-Catholic activist who lived during the anticlerical period under President Plutarco Elías Calles. He was a devoted husband and father who actively participated in organizations defending religious liberty.
What was the Cristero War?
The Cristero War was an armed uprising in Mexico from 1926 to 1929, prompted by the anticlerical provisions of the 1917 Constitution and the government's enforcement of them. It pitted Catholic rebels against the secular government.
Why was Manuel Morales killed?
Manuel Morales was captured by government forces and executed for refusing to renounce his position in favor of religious freedom. He, along with other leaders of the National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty, was accused of conspiring to revolt.
When was Manuel Morales canonized?
Manuel Morales was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, as one of the 25 Saints of the Cristero War. He had previously been declared Venerable in 1992 and beatified in the same year.
What is the feast day of Manuel Morales?
The individual feast day of Manuel Morales is August 15, which is the anniversary date of his death. The collective feast day for the Martyrs of the Cristero War is May 21.
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