07/24/2026
✝️The Martyrdom of SAINT JOSÉ MARÍA ROBLES HURTADO, PRIEST.
"I want to love You unto martyrdom."
In the early hours of June 26, 1927, high in the Sierra de Quila mountains of Jalisco, a Mexican priest surrendered his life with the dignity that only faith can bestow. He was Father José María Robles Hurtado—a fervent apostle of the Heart of Jesus, a founder, a writer, and a guide of souls.
From the onset of the religious persecution, Father José María had been branded a "rebel" by a government that ruthlessly persecuted the Church. His crime? Placing a cross on a hilltop as a sign of faith. For this reason, he was relentlessly hunted down.
On the night of June 25, while preparing to celebrate the Eucharist, he was captured on the orders of Colonel Calderón. Pleas from those who wished to save him were in vain. He himself said, with serenity:
"Oh, if only the Eucharistic Heart would take me!"
That night, while a prisoner, he handed his breviary—containing the last verses he had written—to some young women. In them lay a blend of childlike tenderness and heroic surrender:
I want to love Your heart, my Jesus, with fervor,
I want to love You with passion, I want to love You unto martyrdom...
At midnight, he was led out with his hands bound. He walked toward the mountains. One of the soldiers, moved by the priest's difficulty in walking, offered him his horse. Upon reaching a large, leafy oak tree, he knew his hour had come.
Then, the martyr—harboring no resentment—forgave his executioners. Seeing that one of them, Enrique Vázquez (his own *compadre*), was hesitating, he said to him with both gentleness and firmness: "Compadre, do not stain your hands." He took the rope himself and placed it around his own neck. Minutes later, he was hanging from the tree. The apostle of the Sacred Heart had died—the courageous priest who chose the cross rather than renounce his faith.
He was canonized on May 21, 2000, by Saint John Paul II, who recognized in him one of the greatest witnesses to the love of Christ in times of hatred.
Today, Saint José María Robles awaits all his children in heaven. His life, his work, and his martyrdom are a flame that continues to burn in the heart of Mexico.
Intention for the day: May all Christians who have been persecuted for their faith be granted a spirit of forgiveness and peace, despite the injustices perpetrated against them.
Novena Prayer: Almighty and Eternal God, we give You thanks for the lives of the men who served You on earth as Knights of Columbus and were martyred during the persecution of Your Church in Mexico. These Knights live on in our minds and hearts because, by sacrificing their lives for the Gospel, they bore witness that Your love is eternal and that the Truth never accepts compromise. May their example encourage us to be courageous witnesses of the faith and to remain faithful to Christ the King.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…)
O Holy Mexican Martyrs, pray for us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Christ the King, Thy Kingdom come!
Long live Christ the King and Holy Mary of Guadalupe!
