Miguel Pro was a Mexican Jesuit priest born in 1891 who became a prominent figure during the religious persecution of the Cristero War. After studying in Europe and serving in various locations, he returned to Mexico to minister to Catholics practicing their faith in secret due to strict anti-clerical laws. He was eventually arrested and executed in Mexico City in 1927 on false charges of involvement in an assassination attempt. He is recognized as a martyr for his refusal to abandon his religious duties.
Life and ministry
Born into a mining family in Zacatecas, Pro entered the Society of Jesus in 1911. Due to government crackdowns on religious orders, he spent much of his training in the United States, Spain, and Belgium. Following his ordination in 1925, he returned to a Mexico where the government heavily restricted Catholic activities. He worked clandestinely to provide sacraments to the faithful, often using his wit and deep piety to support his community during this period of intense persecution.
Death and veneration
In 1927, authorities used a failed assassination attempt against the president as a pretext to arrest Pro. Despite evidence of his innocence, he was executed by a firing squad. Before his death, he famously forgave his executioners and held a crucifix. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988, being honored as a martyr who died in hatred of the faith. His feast day is observed on November 23.