St. Jesús Méndez-Montoya

February 5

St. Jesús Méndez-Montoya was a Mexican Catholic priest and martyr during the period of religious persecution known as the Cristero War. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1992, and canonized on May 21, 2000. He was born into a devout farming family and demonstrated a vocation for the priesthood from an early age. At fourteen, he entered the Tridentine Seminary of Morelia, where he pursued ecclesiastical studies. He was ordained a priest on June 3, 1906, and served in several parishes, including Huetamo, Pedernales, and Valtierrilla. Throughout his ministry, Méndez Montoya promoted education and community development by founding schools, cooperatives, and choirs, as well as organizing catechetical and charitable groups. During the Cristero persecution of the 1920s, he chose to remain with his parishioners rather than go into hiding, expressing his willingness to give his life for his faith. On February 5, 1928, federal troops captured him in Valtierrilla while he was safeguarding a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. He was allowed to consume the Eucharist before being executed by firing squad. His final words, "It is the will of God. May His will be done," were regarded by the Catholic Church as a testament to his steadfast faith and pastoral dedication.