Bishop links relic of Mexican martyr to immigration issues today

Published: 2006-03-28

EL PASO, Texas (CNS) -- A relic of Mexican martyr St. Pedro de Jesus Maldonado was welcomed by the Diocese of El Paso March 25, much as the young Pedro Maldonado was welcomed by the diocese for his ordination to the priesthood in 1918. Ordained in El Paso's St. Patrick Cathedral that year, Father Maldonado and 24 other Mexicans martyred during the persecution of the church in Mexico in the 1920s and '30s were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. The relics of Father Maldonado, also called San Pedro, and five other priests among the Mexican martyrs began a tour of the United States in March under the sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus. All six had been members of the Knights of Columbus. El Paso Bishop Armando X. Ochoa said at a press conference held at the offices of the diocese's Migrant and Refugee Services, "Just as the sacrifices made by the Mexican martyrs and San Pedro must never be forgotten, neither must our community's and our country's rich heritage of welcoming those seeking shelter and protection, regardless of their origin."

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