Margarito Flores García
Margarito Flores García was a Catholic priest who died as a martyr during the Mexican Revolution. He is remembered for his steadfast ministry in a time of intense persecution, choosing to remain with his flock despite government decrees and violent repression. He was canonized in 2000.
- Feast Day
- November 12
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Mexico
Key Facts
- ›Margarito Flores García was born on February 22, 1899.
- ›He received Holy Orders on April 5, 1924.
- ›He was arrested in June 1927 and later released.
- ›He was sent to minister in Atenango del Río in November 1927.
- ›He was shot to death on November 12, 1927, by government forces.
- ›He was beatified on November 22, 1992, and canonized on may 21, 2000.
About Margarito Flores García
Margarito Flores García (February 22, 1899 – November 12, 1927) was a priest of the Catholic Church who was canonized in 2000. He is recognized for his martyrdom during the Mexican Revolution.
Life and Ministry
Born in Taxco de Alarcón, Guerrero, Mexico, Margarito Flores García faced poverty from a young age, working in the fields to support his family. He began his seminary studies at 15. He received Holy Orders on April 5, 1924, and celebrated his first mass on April 20, 1924.
Initially, he served as a vicar in the Chilopie seminary, working to prevent the spread of breakaway sects. As persecution of Catholics intensified, and following a government decree in 1926 requiring priests to move to cities for monitoring, García was inspired by the martyrdom of David Uribe Velasco to continue ministering clandestinely in dangerous areas.
In 1926, the clergy were moved from Chilpancingo to Tecapulco, and García continued his studies. He was arrested in June 1927 along with members of the "League for the Defense of Religious Liberty" but was later released. In November of that year, he was sent to minister as pastor in Atenango del Río, a village where local authorities had already killed other priests. Shortly after his arrival, García was arrested and subsequently shot to death by government forces on November 12, 1927.
Veneration
Investigation into the heroic sanctity of García's life began in his local diocese in 1933 and concluded in 1988. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1992, in St. Peter's Basilica. Pope John Paul II also canonized him on May 21, 2000, in St. Peter's Square, along with St. Cristóbal Magallanes Jara and companions. His feast is celebrated on November 12, the anniversary of his death.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Margarito Flores García born and when did he die?
Margarito Flores García was born on February 22, 1899, and died on November 12, 1927.
What was Margarito Flores García's role in the Catholic Church?
Margarito Flores García was a priest of the Catholic Church. He was ordained on April 5, 1924.
Why is Margarito Flores García considered a martyr?
He died as a martyr during the Mexican Revolution, being shot to death by government forces while ministering to his parish. This occurred during a period of intense persecution of Catholics.
When was Margarito Flores García canonized?
Margarito Flores García was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, along with St. Cristóbal Magallanes Jara and companions.
Where did Margarito Flores García minister?
He ministered in Chilpancingo-Chilapa and later in the village of Atenango del Río. He also studied and served in the Chilopie seminary.
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