When public worship was banned in Mexico in 1926, Bl. Miguel Pro knew he couldn’t sit idly by and do nothing. His people needed him, but in particular, they needed the presence of God in the Holy Eucharist.
Bl. Miguel Pro took matters into his own hands and decided to continue celebrating Mass in people’s homes, rotating where he would bring the Eucharist.
This clandestine ministry was very risky and extremely stressful, as anyone could have turned him in to the local authorities.
However, he continued this ministry, wanting to be with the people instead of giving-up his priestly duties.
According to St. John Paul II, it was precisely the Eucharist that gave him the fuel he needed to shepherd his flock.
Indeed, the deepest root of dedication to others was his passionate love for Jesus Christ and his burning desire to empathize with him, even in his death. He expressed this love in a particular way in Eucharistic worship. The daily celebration of Holy Mass was the center of his life, as well as a source of strength and fervor for the faithful.
Eventually Bl. Miguel Pro was caught and executed by a firing squad. He died imitating Jesus’ death on the cross, giving his life up to God in a eucharistic manner.
The Eucharist helped Bl. Miguel Pro in his dangerous priestly ministry and served as an inspiration for him in the last moments of his life on earth.
And today we celebrate...