Relics of Mexican martyrs begin tour of United States, Mexico

Published: 2005-10-26

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) -- A silver cross containing relics of six saints has begun a 10-month pilgrimage through Mexico and the United States. The six were priests and members of the Knights of Columbus who were martyred for the faith in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s. They were among the 25 Mexican martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. The relics will travel to more than 50 cities and towns in Mexico before coming to the United States in mid-March. The pilgrimage will conclude in August in Orlando, Fla., during the Knights' annual convention. "This pilgrimage coincides with the (fraternal) order's centennial in Mexico and recalls the ultimate sacrifice made by these Knights for their faith," said Carl A. Anderson, supreme knight. The relics are those of Sts. Luis Batis Sainz, Jose Maria Robles Hurtado, Mateo Correa Megallanes, Miguel de la Mora de la Mora, Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman and Pedro de Jesus Maldonado Lucero.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .