Six Catholic priests martyred during Mexico's Cristero War and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 are making a pilgrimage through the Diocese of Des Moines June 17–20, 2026. Monica Meredith, Hispanic Ministry Director at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines, and Antonio Banuelos, Knight of Columbus, join The Catholic Morning Show to discuss the history of the martyrs, the meaning of relic veneration, and why these saints are a powerful witness for Catholics today. All six martyred priests were Knights of Columbus, and this event offers an extraordinary opportunity for both English and Spanish-speaking Catholics to encounter their faith through first-class relics of those who died shouting "Viva Cristo Rey."
Who Are the Six Martyred Priests?
During Mexico's Cristero War (1926–1929), the Mexican government effectively outlawed the Catholic Church — banning public Mass, expelling clergy, and desecrating churches. Six Knights of Columbus priests refused to stop ministering and were executed for their faith. Pope John Paul II canonized 26 martyrs of the Cristero War on May 21, 2000 — six of whom were Knights of Columbus. Their final words: Viva Cristo Rey — Long live Christ the King.
Relic Veneration Schedule — Diocese of Des Moines
What to Expect at a Relic Veneration
These are first-class relics — bone fragments of the martyred saints. A kneeler is placed before the relics. Visitors may kneel, pray briefly, and touch a rosary or devotional object to the relics, creating a third-class relic. Prayer cards will be available on-site. Visitors are encouraged to pray the rosary in the pew before approaching rather than at the kneeler itself.
Why This Matters for Catholics Today
Antonio Banuelos emphasized that the persecution in Mexico didn't happen overnight — it built gradually through decades of constitutional and legal changes that people assumed would never be enforced. The martyrs' witness is a direct call to defend religious liberty and live the faith publicly and courageously. Monica Meredith highlighted that this pilgrimage is for all Catholics — not only the Hispanic community — and that encountering saints who lived just one hundred years ago is a powerful reminder that holiness is possible in every era.
To join the Knights of Columbus: kofc.org/join
For event information, search Knights of Columbus Iowa or Caballeros de Colón Iowa on Facebook.
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