DETROIT — On July 17, the faithful gathered at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit to commemorate the centennial of the Mexican Cristero War, honoring the courageous witness of the Cristero martyrs who remained steadfast in their love for Christ and His Church, even unto death.
Through prayer, historical reflection, and the Fair of Martyrs, attendees were invited to deepen their understanding of this profound chapter in the life of the Church and to draw inspiration from the heroic fidelity of those who proclaimed, "¡Viva Cristo Rey!"
The Cristero War took place between 1926 and 1929 in central and western Mexico in response to religious oppression, particularly of Catholics, as a result of secularist and anti-clerical policies of the Mexican government. The conflict drew its name from the battle cry of the largely peasant and rural resistance force, "Viva Cristo Rey," which translates, "Long Live Christ the King." An estimated 200,000 people died in the conflict.
The "Long Live Christ the King" conference was a meaningful evening of faith and remembrance organized by the Archdiocese of Detroit's Office of Hispanic Ministry and Regnum Christi, highlighting the example of those whose courage, hope, and unwavering trust in the Lord inspires fidelity to the Gospel today.
Check back for a full article on the conference.
(Photos by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)
