Silver Rose & Priest Martyrs of Mexico
Silver Rose - Bringing a Strong Pro-Life Message to Arizona Rosary Celebration
The association of roses with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, is historic and the presentation of the Silver Rose recognizes her role today in the protection of the unborn.
Every year the Silver Rose tours Canada, the US and Mexico and finishes up at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Over the years, this activity involved the Knights of Columbus Columbian Squires and youth of the diocese participating in prayer vigils and processions at each stop along its pilgrimage journey to its final destination. The Knights of Columbus provide the escort and transfer of the Silver Rose to each successive jurisdiction. This year’s journey is the Silver Rose’s 67th annual event and is symbolic of the Knights of Columbus’ commitment to the sanctity of life.
The Dioceses of Tucson and Phoenix have been fortunate to participate in the symbolic "Running of the Silver Rose" during the Arizona Rosary Celebration in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. This year we are fortunate to have the tour schedule for the Silver Rose coincide with our Arizona Rosary Celebration at both Tucson and Phoenix and the procession of the Rose will be a special part of the Celebration in both cities.
Priest Martyrs of Mexico - A Special Visit to the Arizona Rosary Celebration
The silver reliquary contains the relics of the six Knights of Columbus Priest Martyrs of Mexico, whom Pope John Paul II canonized in 2000.
In the early 20th century, the Mexican government began a widespread persecution of Catholics. In 1926, priests, missionaries and members of religious orders were expelled from the country. Ignoring the right to religious freedom, the government under President Plutarco Elías Calles took control of churches, seminaries, convents and schools, thereby beginning the campaign to do away with all of the “fanatics” who professed their Catholic faith. In the face of violence and persecution, more than a million Mexicans migrated to the United States seeking refuge; others spontaneously organized to defend themselves against government oppression, some peacefully and others taking up arms under the banner of “Cristo Rey” (“Christ the King”). This was the beginning of what became known as the Cristiada or Cristero War.
For three years (1926-1929), the Mexican people lived through violent persecution, in which priests and laypeople were ordered to renounce Christ in public. To refuse to do so meant facing not only punishment, but even torture and death. Thousands of Mexican Catholics gave witness to their faith or fought to defend it. In many cases, they paid for it with their lives. Their acts of love and bravery have echoed throughout the decades, and we remember their testimony today.
In his encyclical 1926 Inique Afflictisque, Pope Pius XI singled out the testimony and work of the Knights in Mexico: “A word of very special praise is due those Catholic organizations, which during all these trying times have stood like soldiers side to side with the clergy. First of all We mention the Knights of Columbus, an organization which is found in all the states of the Republic and which fortunately is made up of active and industrious members who, because of their practical lives and open profession of the Faith, as well as by their zeal in assisting the Church, have brought great honor upon themselves.”
Of the 25 Mexican martyrs whom Pope John Paul II canonized in 2000, six were members of the Knights of Columbus; Father Luis Bátis Sáinz, Father José María Robles Hurtado, Father Mateo Correa Magallanes, Father Miguel de la Mora de la Mora, Father Rodrigo Aguilar Alemán.
The Dioceses of Tucson and Phoenix are fortunate to have this Class 1 relic participate in the Arizona Rosary Celebration in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. This year we are fortunate to have the tour schedule for the Priest Martyrs of Mexico coincide with our Arizona Rosary Celebration at both Tucson and Phoenix and the procession of the Priest Martyrs of Mexico will be a special part of the Celebration in both cities.