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Saint David Roldán Lara

Zacatecas Catholic Action youth leader shot in 1926 during the Cristero conflict

Rank
Saint
Kind
Martyr, Layperson, Young saint
Life
1902 – 1926
Era
20th century
Feast
21 May
Countries
Mexico
Mexico

Life story

David Roldán Lara was born on 2 March 1902 at Chalchihuites in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. His father died when he was small. As the eldest son he had to leave the Durango seminary because of family poverty, and he went to work in the mines. He joined the Association of Catholic Youth of Mexico (ACJM) and served as its president in 1925, and he became vice-president of the National League for the Defence of Religious Liberty, which worked to reverse the laws against the Church.

In August 1926, during the persecution under President Calles, soldiers seized him, the priest Luis Batis Sáinz, Manuel Morales and his cousin Salvador Lara. They were accused of plotting an armed revolt. On 15 August 1926 they were taken to Puerto de Santa Teresa, in Zacatecas, where, according to Catholic accounts, David was offered his freedom if he would recognise the anti-religious government of Calles, and refused. Father Batis and Morales were shot first, and then David and Salvador. He was twenty-four.

Pope John Paul II beatified him on 22 November 1992 and canonized him on 21 May 2000 with the other Cristero martyrs. His feast is kept on 21 May.

Works and witness

  • Left the Durango seminary because of family poverty and worked in the mines
  • Served as president of the ACJM in 1925
  • Vice-president of the National League for the Defence of Religious Liberty
  • Refused freedom in return for accepting the anti-religious laws
  • Shot on 15 August 1926; canonized on 21 May 2000

Saints from the same country

Saint Juan Diego, Blessed Miguel Pro, Saint José Sánchez del Río, The 25 Martyrs of Mexico

References

  • EWTN News / CNA, “15,000 faithful and pope's representative commemorate centenary of 4 Mexican martyrs” (2026) – David Roldán, 24, mining company, parish apostolate, cousin of Salvador Lara; four martyrs shot at Puerto de Santa Teresa on 15 August 1926, Batis and Morales first
  • Savior.org, “St. David Roldán-Lara” – seminary in Durango, ACJM president 1925, vice-president of the League, accused of plotting revolt, offered freedom and refused (its dates 1907 and 1929 are wrong and not used)
  • Wikipedia (English), “David Roldán Lara” – birth 2 March 1902, beatification 22 November 1992

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.