Viva Cristo Rey!
Chairman Orville Fillbrandt Faith Programs
The ¡Viva Cristo Rey! program celebrates the sanctity of the Mexican Martyrs, including members of the Knights of Columbus, who were killed for their faith during the religious persecution of Catholics by the Mexican government in the early 20th century. During the persecution, which led to “La Cristiada,” or the “Cristero War,” priests, missionaries and members of religious orders were expelled from the country, more than a million Mexicans migrated to the United States seeking refuge and others spontaneously organized to defend themselves against government oppression, some peacefully and others taking up arms under the banner of “Cristo Rey y Santa María de Guadalupe” or “Christ the King and Holy Mary of Guadalupe.”
Overview
Councils are encouraged to ask for the intercession of the Mexican Martyrs by going to Mass, praying the novena leading up to their feast days, and spreading devotion to these saints and blesseds throughout their community.
Suggested Program Dates
The May 21 feast of the Mexican Martyrs (Optional Memorial of Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs), the Solemnity of Christ the King, and the Nov. 20 (in some dioceses) feast commemorating the following Knights of Columbus: Bl. José Trinidad Rangel Montaño, Bl. Andrés Solá y Molist, Bl. Leonardo Pérez Larios.