Saint Jose : Boy Cristero Martyr

This new title in the acclaimed Vision Books lives of the saints series for youth 9-15 yrs. brings to life the inspirational story of St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, a 14 yr. old boy in Mexico who died a martyr for the Catholic faith during the Cristero War in the 1920s.

Meet young Jose and his friend Trino as the war breaks out in their hometown of Sahuayo. Follow Jose through his own struggles as the violence escalates, up to his joining the Cristero army in 1927 to fight for freedom of religion. Captured by government forces, Jose refused to deny his faith in exchange for his freedom. Tortured and forced to march to his grave, he cried out, “Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King) Jose died as he had lived, a hero.

Inspired by this young martyr to become a priest himself, Father McKenzie spent ten years researching and writing Jose’s story. The result is a riveting tale of a young man’s bravery and passion for God. Drawing on all existing sources, including never-before-seen documents from the Vatican and the Mexican Government, Saint Jose plunges the young reader into a country at war, not over territory, but over the right to worship God freely.

Canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis, St. Jose is one of the newest and youngest saints of the Catholic Church, and an inspiration to people from all walks of life. He shows us that our faith is worth fighting and dying for. His example is a powerful catalyst for young people today, so many of whom are tempted to never commit themselves to any serious calling in life.