Sabás Reyes Salazar
Sabás Reyes Salazar was a Mexican Catholic vicar and a martyr of the Cristero War. He is remembered for his dedication to the formation of children and young adults and his secret ministry during the persecutions. Reyes was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 as one of the Martyrs of the Cristero War.
- Feast Day
- April 13
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Mexico
Key Facts
- ›Sabás Reyes Salazar was born in Cocula, Jalisco, on December 3, 1883.
- ›He was ordained a diocesan priest in the diocese of Tamaulipas in 1911.
- ›Reyes served as vicar of Tototlán, Jalisco, and continued his ministry in secret during the Cristero War.
- ›He was arrested on April 11, 1927, tortured, and shot on April 13, 1927.
- ›His last words were Viva Cristo Rey.
- ›He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on may 21, 2000, as one of the Martyrs of the Cristero War.
About Sabás Reyes Salazar
Sabás Reyes Salazar (born December 3, 1883, died April 13, 1927) was a Mexican Catholic vicar who became a martyr during the Cristero War. His life and death are commemorated by the Catholic Church, and he was canonized as one of the Martyrs of the Cristero War.
Life and Ministry
Born into poverty in Cocula, Jalisco, Sabás Reyes Salazar initially worked as a newspaper seller in Guadalajara before entering a seminary. He was ordained as a diocesan priest in the diocese of Tamaulipas in 1911. The turbulent period of the Mexican Revolution led him back to Guadalajara in 1914, where he served in various parishes until his transfer to Tototlán, Jalisco, in June 1921.
In Tototlán, Reyes Salazar dedicated himself to his priestly duties, serving as a confessor. He showed a particular commitment to the spiritual and educational development of children and young adults, instructing them in catechesis and teaching them sciences, arts, and music. He employed diverse didactic methods, including dramatic presentations, to enhance their learning.
Reyes Salazar also held a special devotion to the Holy Trinity and frequently invoked the souls in purgatory.
Martyrdom during the Cristero War
In 1926, as persecutions intensified at the onset of the Cristero War, Sabás Reyes Salazar assumed the role of vicar of Tototlán, continuing his ministry clandestinely. He was apprehended by government forces on April 11, 1927, shortly after returning from a baptism. The forces were initially searching for the parish priest, Francisco Vizcarra. Reyes Salazar went into hiding but was discovered and arrested on the orders of General Juan B. Izaguirre.
He endured severe beatings and torture, including having his hands and feet burned and being left in the sun with broken bones and without water, in an attempt to extract information about the whereabouts of Vizcarra and other priests. On Wednesday of Holy Week, April 13, 1927, Sabás Reyes Salazar was taken to the cemetery and shot. His final words were "Viva Cristo Rey" (Long live Christ the King).
Legacy and Canonization
Sabás Reyes Salazar's unwavering faith and sacrifice led to his canonization. On May 21, 2000, Pope John Paul II declared him a saint, recognizing him as one of the 25 Martyrs of the Cristero War. He is remembered for his dedication to his flock and his ultimate martyrdom for his faith.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sabás Reyes Salazar born and where?
Sabás Reyes Salazar was born on December 3, 1883, in Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico.
What was Sabás Reyes Salazar's role during the Cristero War?
During the Cristero War, Sabás Reyes Salazar served as the vicar of Tototlán, Jalisco, and continued his ministry in secret. He was arrested, tortured, and ultimately killed by government forces.
How did Sabás Reyes Salazar die?
Sabás Reyes Salazar was arrested on April 11, 1927, tortured, and shot in the cemetery on April 13, 1927, during Holy Week. His last words were Viva Cristo Rey.
When was Sabás Reyes Salazar canonized?
Sabás Reyes Salazar was canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000, along with 24 other martyrs of the Cristero War.
What was Sabás Reyes Salazar known for in his ministry?
Reyes had a special devotion to the Trinity and the souls in purgatory. In Tototlán, he was dedicated to the formation of children and young adults, teaching them catechesis, sciences, arts, and music through various didactic methods, including dramatic representations.
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