Today, November 23, is the memorial of Blessed Miguel Pro.
Born to a privileged family in 1891 in Zacatecas, Mexico, Miguel grew up establishing friendships with the poor and working classes. Despite coming from a wealthy mining family, he was a humble, witty man.
He became a Jesuit novice at age 20. He was exiled during the anti-Catholic Mexican Revolution, but he continued his studies in California.
Miguel was ordained in Belgium in 1925 at age 36 and a year later returned to Mexico. By that time, churches were closed, priests were in hiding, and persecution of the Church was government policy. Many religious men and women were being killed. Miguel disguised himself to conduct an underground ministry, bringing the comfort of charity and the sacraments to the covert faithful.
He was falsely accused in 1927 of a bombing attempt. He became a wanted man and was betrayed to the police. He was sentenced to death without trial.
Before being shot on November 23, 1927, Miguel forgave his executioners. He refused a blindfold, and died shouting “Long live Christ the King!”
The government prohibited a public funeral, but the faithful lined the streets when his body passed.
Miguel Pro was beatified in 1988 in Rome by Pope St. John Paul II.