Blessed Miguel Pro

Life story

Miguel Agustín Pro was born on 13 January 1891 at Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Mexico. He entered the Jesuits in 1911. As the Mexican Revolution created unrest, novices had to flee, so he studied in the United States, Nicaragua, Spain and Belgium. He was ordained a priest in 1925 at Enghien, Belgium, and returned home in 1926.

At that time the government of President Plutarco Calles was enforcing laws restricting the Church, and public celebration of Mass was forbidden. Father Pro moved discreetly around Mexico City, saying Mass in private houses, giving the sacraments and helping the poor. According to his biographers he often disguised himself to avoid the attention of police. He was known for his humour and kindness.

In November 1927, after a bomb attack aimed at former president Álvaro Obregón, police accused him and his brothers of involvement, though he had no part in it. He was shot by firing squad on 23 November 1927 without a trial. Photographs of the execution circulated afterwards. He was beatified on 25 September 1988.

He was buried in Mexico City, and his funeral drew a large crowd despite the ban on gatherings. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 25 September 1988. Today he is remembered among the witnesses of the period of persecution of the Church in Mexico, and several churches and schools there carry his name. His brother Humberto was also executed in the same affair,.

Works and witness

• Entered the Jesuits in 1911; ordained in Belgium in 1925
• Returned to Mexico in 1926 and served in secret in Mexico City
• Said Mass and gave the sacraments in private homes
• Shot in 1927; beatified in 1988

Saints from the same country

Saint Juan Diego, Saint Junípero Serra

References

• Martyrologium Romanum
• Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile
• Jesuit Province of Mexico – historical materials on Miguel Pro

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