Jesuit Priest and Martyr (1891-1927)
His life
+ Miguel was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. In 1911, he entered the Society of Jesus and his studies took him to the United States, Spain, and Belgium where he was ordained in 1926.
+ After returning to Mexico, Miguel carried out his ministry in secret because of the religious persecutions brought on by the Mexican Revolution.
+ Arrested on false charges and condemned to death, he was shot to death on the morning of November 23, 1927. Extending his arms in the form of a cross, he spoke his last words: ¡Viva Cristo Rey!
+ Blessed Miguel Pro was beatified in 1988.
For prayer and reflection
“Neither suffering nor serious illness, neither the exhausting ministerial activity, frequently carried out in difficult and dangerous circumstances, could stifle the radiating and contagious joy which he brought to his life for Christ and which nothing could take away.”—Pope Saint John Paul II
Spiritual bonus
On November 23, the Church also honors the memory of Pope Saint Clement I (d. 99) and the Irish missionary and abbot Saint Columban (d. 615).
Prayer
Our God and Father,
who conferred upon your servant Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro
the grace of ardently seeking your greater glory
and the salvation of others,
grant through his intercession and example,
that by faithfully and joyfully performing our daily duties
and effectively assisting those around us,
we may serve you with zeal
and ever seek your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...