Martyr (1941-1991)
His life
+ Miguel was born in La Montaña, Quiché, Guatemala.
+ A married layman, he served as the director of the local Catholic Action group and also served as a catechist in the local communities.
+ Blessed Miguel was among those church workers who were killed by Guatemalan government troops. Martyred in Parraxtut in the state of Quiché on October 31, 1991, he was beatified in 2021 and is honored as one of the “Martyrs of Quiché.”
For prayer and reflection
“Animated by their faith in Christ, they were heroic witnesses of justice and love. May their example make us more generous and courageous in living the Gospel.”—Pope Francis reflecting on the beatification of the Martyrs of Quiche
Spiritual bonus
On October 31, we also remember the Franciscan priest and missionary Blessed Christopher of Romagna. Known for his care for the sick and poor—especially lepers—he also took on a mission of preaching the Gospel in areas that had embraced the Albigensian heresy. Christopher died in Cahors, France, and devotion to this holy friar was approved in 1905.
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God, who brought your Martyr blessed Miguel to overcome the torments of his passion, grant that we, who celebrate the day of his triumph, may remain invincible under your protection against the snares of the enemy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr)
Saint profiles prepared by Fr. Silas Henderson, S.D.S
And today we celebrate...