Remembering the Cristeros

Anti-Catholicism has been called "the deepest-held bias in the history of the American people." Recently, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, one of the top U.S.-born clerics in the Vatican's Sacred College of Cardinals gave an interview in which he expressed his thoughts regarding the persecution of Christians, in particular Catholics, in the United States.

VATICAN -- One of the highest ranking cardinals in the Vatican has said that the United States is "well on the way" to the persecution of Christians. 

Cardinal Raymond Burke, former Archbishop of St. Louis and now the head of the Vatican's highest court, told Catholic News Agency that he could envision a time when the Catholic Church in the U.S., "even by announcing her own teaching," is accused of "engaging in illegal activity, for instance, in its teaching on human sexuality." 

Asked if the cardinal could even see American Catholics being arrested for their faith he replied, "I can see it happening, yes."

We would do well to recall the recent history of Mexico. Just 85 years ago an anti-Catholic president initiated a wholesale persecution of Catholics that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 250,000 people — Priests, laity and soldiers. The Cristeros were the faithful who revolted against this oppression in order to defend their faith, and their Priests. Despite the recent claims of the uninformed, the Catholic Church does support the right to self-defense. These brave warriors understood that quite clearly.

Could it happen here? The thought is not that far-fetched as evidence of increased discrimination mounts. The city of San Francisco passed a resolution calling the Church's teachings "hateful and discriminatory" and the U.S Supreme Court refused to hear a civil lawsuit filed against the city in defense of the Church. (Contrast this with the Obama administration's active support for the imposition of laws against criticizing Islam.) President Obama's many anti-Catholic policies are well-documented. The Department of Homeland Security even recently declared that those sharing Catholic views on the sanctity of life are to be considered potential terrorists. What's next?

Shooting of Father Francisco Vera. He was guilty of saying a public Mass

Jesuit priest Miguel Pro, executed by firing squad, 23rd November 1927

When the persecution arrives, I only pray that the evidence for my conviction is plentiful.

More images of the Cristeros War can be found here.