Remembering the Martyrs of Otranto

Today, August 14, we commemorate the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of a brutal conquest during the Ottoman invasion of the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. After a two-week siege, the city fell on August 11 to the muslim oppressors. What followed was a horrifying massacre: all men over the age of 50 were executed, and women and children under 15 were taken into slavery.

The leader of the invading force, Pasha Ahmed, summoned over 800 surviving Christian men and demanded that they convert to Islam or face death. These men, firm in their faith, refused to renounce Christ.

One among them stepped forward and delivered words that echo through the centuries:

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered by their defiance, Pasha Ahmed ordered their execution. On August 14, 1480, the 800 were taken to a nearby hill and beheaded while their families and fellow townspeople were forced to watch. Tradition holds that the body of the first to die, Antonio Primaldo, miraculously remained standing until all the others had been martyred.

With Otranto devastated and its population decimated, the Ottoman forces turned their sights toward Rome. The barbaric muslim conquest of Italy would ultimately fail following the death of Sultan Mehmet II which left the invading forces in disarray. 

A year later, in October 1481, the remains of the martyrs were found to be incorrupt and were transferred to the Otranto Cathedral. Pope Clement XIV beatified them on December 14, 1771. Centuries later, on May 12, 2013, Pope Francis canonized them as saints, honoring their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice.

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The story of Otranto belongs to history, but the lessons it teaches remain timely. Christians continue to face persecution and martyrdom in many parts of the world, often at the hands of Islamist extremists. Churches are burned, priests murdered, and believers imprisoned or killed simply for professing the name of Christ.

The Martyrs of Otranto remind us that civilizations are not preserved by complacency. They endure when people possess the courage to defend both their faith and the cultural foundations built upon it. Their witness calls Christians not to fear, but to remain steadfast, discerning, and faithful in every age.

May we never take for granted the religious liberty and Christian heritage we have inherited. May we have the wisdom to recognize genuine threats, and, should the day ever come, the courage to stand as firmly for Christ as the Martyrs of Otranto.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

An Undiminished Devotion: Reflections on America’s 250th Anniversary

Today, and indeed this entire year, patriotic Americans celebrate the foresight, wisdom, and courage of our Founding Fathers in declaring independence from an oppressive government. As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding — the American Semiquincentennial — Independence Day carries an even deeper significance. It is both a celebration of freedom and a solemn reminder that liberty must be vigilantly protected.

Our forefathers were explicit in their intent: our rights are granted by our Creator, not by government. Political power is legitimate only when it derives from the consent of the governed. These timeless truths laid the foundation of a nation built on freedom. Yet today, those principles face challenges — not only from foreign adversaries, but also from those within our own society who misunderstand, disregard, or seek to redefine them.

Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and secured through the Constitution is the conviction that all people are endowed with unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These founding principles remain as relevant today as they were in 1776. But freedom is not self-sustaining. It depends upon citizens who possess the character, courage, and resolve to uphold it.

Celebrating this great gift of liberty does not require ignoring the threats against it. Some, under a distorted understanding of “freedom” or in pursuit of ideological causes, seek to silence dissent, erase history, redefine language, and shame those who hold differing views. Such attitudes reveal not confidence in their ideas, but hostility toward the principles of open debate and individual liberty that have long defined our republic.

Yet hope abounds. Millions of Americans are growing weary of division, hostility, and caricatures that portray their beliefs as dangerous or extreme. They continue to stand by the values enshrined in our founding documents: freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and equal rights under the law.

Even amid uncertainty and division, the light of liberty has not been extinguished. Many Americans seek a renewed commitment to the principles of 1776 and the constitutional order that followed. Their efforts are driven not by hatred, but by love — love of country, love of liberty, and love for future generations who deserve to inherit a free and united nation.

Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Roger C. Weightman on June 24, 1826, reflected on the significance of this day:

“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

I, for one, am proud of my country. I will not quietly accept efforts to restrict religious liberty, diminish the right of self-defense, or replace the principles of a free society with ideologies that history has repeatedly shown to be destructive.

As America marks its Semiquincentennial year, may we renew our appreciation for the principles that gave birth to this nation and recommit ourselves to preserving them. Celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. And above all, prepare to defend and preserve these blessings for those who will inherit the nation we leave behind.

Happy Independence Day!

Bourbon Independence Day: A Toast to America’s Native Spirit

On May 4, 1964, Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 (S. Con. Res. 19) was passed, declaring that bourbon “is a distinctive product of the United States.” With that resolution, Bourbon Whiskey joined the ranks of other regionally protected spirits such as Scotch Whisky, Cognac, and Canadian Whisky — each of which must be produced in their respective countries of origin.

Although bourbon originated in present day Kentucky in the late 1700s — then still part of Virginia — and the vast majority of it is still produced there today, bourbon is now made in all 50 U.S. states.

So, raise a glass (or two) and celebrate Bourbon Independence Day with your favorite pour!

Cheers!

Image from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-78/pdf/STATUTE-78-Pg1208-2.pdf

A Toast to April 7 and the Return of Beer

On April 7, 1933, a long national drought finally began to break.

After 13 years of Prohibition, Americans could once again legally enjoy beer. Though the failed experiment in prohibition would linger until its full repeal on December 5, the passage of the Cullen-Harrison Act offered some long-awaited relief  — permitting beer of up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (about 4% by volume), the so-called “near beer.”

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the measure on March 22, 1933, he reportedly quipped, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” It was a simple remark, but one that perfectly captured the mood of a thirsty nation ready to raise a glass again.

On the evening of April 6, crowds gathered outside bars and taverns across the country, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. When it did, beer flowed legally for the first time in over a decade. That night would later earn its own name: “New Beer’s Eve.”

Photo by https://www.anheuser-busch.com/about/clydesdale

The celebrations took many forms, including one that would become iconic. To mark the moment, a six-horse hitch of the now-famous Budweiser Clydesdales was presented to August A. Busch Sr. by his sons. Soon after, the team made a public appearance delivering beer to the White House — a fitting tribute to the return of a simple pleasure.

Today, April 7 is celebrated as “National Beer Day.” It’s a nod not just to beer and its long-awaited return, but a reminder that freedom, once taken, is seldom restored without time, patience, and persistence.

Cheers!

The Joy of Easter

“He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”

-- Matthew 28:6

With these words, spoken by the messenger of God, the reality of the Resurrection was revealed to the world. The empty tomb proclaims that death and sin have been conquered. Each time I reflect on the Resurrection, I’m struck by the awe the women at the tomb must have felt that morning — confusion, fear, and overwhelming joy. I also find myself wondering what passed through the minds of those who had persecuted Him — those who believed they had silenced Him, only to be confronted with a truth they could never hide nor coverup.

And yet, even in the light of the Resurrection, the Prince of Darkness continues his work in this world. His followers — whether willing or unwitting — carry out the evil one’s designs by twisting truth, sowing confusion, and offering false promises. Evil is repackaged as good, deception cloaked in virtue. As the enemy works to blur moral lines, we see truth distorted, morality mocked, and genuine love mislabeled as hate. Through persistent attacks on faith, freedom, and the sanctity of life, the spiritual battle still rages.

But today, we celebrate the fulfillment of Our Lord’s promise. On this most glorious day, fear is vanquished and hearts are lifted. The Resurrection reminds us that the ultimate battle between good and evil has already been won. For three days, it seemed as though Satan had triumphed — but three days are nothing in the face of eternity. Easter is our strength and our hope. It empowers us to persevere through trials, resist temptation, and stand firm in the face of persecution.

Wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Easter. May the light and joy of the Resurrection remain in your heart throughout the year.

Happy Easter!

"The Resurrection of Our Lord", Gallery of Tapestries, Vatican Museums

Saint José Sánchez del Río: A Martyr’s Faithful Witness

A repost.

Today, February 10, marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint José Sánchez del Río. On this day in 1928, a 14-year-old boy was executed by Mexican government forces for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith during the Cristero War. This period of brutal persecution, led by Mexican President Plutarco Elías Calles, was poignantly depicted in the film For Greater Glory.

Saint José was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2005, and canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016. Despite his young age, his courage and unwavering faith have made him an enduring symbol of religious freedom and devotion.

Saint José’s story is tragically underappreciated, particularly among American Catholics. Yet many may unknowingly recognize his face. A famous photograph of the boy standing alongside Cristero fighters often adorns the walls of Mexican restaurants in the United States. Few diners realize that this young man, who fought and died for his faith, is now a canonized Saint.

After being captured by government forces, José was subjected to unspeakable torment. Forced to witness the execution of fellow Catholics, he was repeatedly pressured to denounce his faith and cry, “Death to Christ the King.” He steadfastly refused.

On the day of his execution, José was forced to walk barefoot to his grave after the soles of his feet were cut. Along the way, he was repeatedly stabbed with bayonets, yet he continued to proclaim, “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King!).

When he reached his grave, the soldiers shot him. Even then, José drew a cross in the dirt with his own blood as a final act of faith and defiance. Enraged by the boy’s resistance, the commander shot him in the head.

The Cristero War, during which countless Catholics were killed for their beliefs, is a dark chapter often ignored in history books in both the United States and Mexico. It is a story of oppression and heroism that all freedom-loving people should know.

Saint José Sánchez del Río is a powerful model of faith, courage, and resistance against tyranny. His steadfastness in the face of unimaginable suffering is a challenge to all of us to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter the cost.

May we draw strength from his example when our own faith is tested.

Saint José Sánchez del Río, Pray For Us!

The Lingering Shadow of Prohibition

On December 5, 1933, the long and difficult chapter of Prohibition finally came to an end. Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution, officially repealing the 18th Amendment that had attempted to ban alcohol nationwide. With that vote, Americans regained a personal freedom that had been lost for more than a decade. To this day, the 18th Amendment remains the only amendment that took away a freedom instead of guaranteeing a freedom.

This anniversary should serve not only as a reminder of those dark days, but also of the continuing pressures placed on personal liberty. Even today, there are efforts to restrict the right to enjoy alcoholic beverages. Some forget — or choose to ignore — the lessons of history and seem willing to repeat the mistakes of the past. Too often, biblical teachings are misinterpreted and the truth is bent to advance a particular agenda. Debates over regulation, responsibility, and personal choice continue, but history reminds us that sweeping bans often create more problems than they solve.

The effects of Prohibition are still felt across much of the United States. Concentrated mostly in the South and parts of the Midwest, “dry” areas continue to exist in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, and Alabama. Even parts of Kentucky and Tennessee — despite their rich distilling heritage — retain Prohibition-era restrictions. The Prohibition Party itself remains active, though thankfully largely ineffective. Freedoms once lost are often slow to return.

Here in Virginia, we continue to live with the legacy of that restrictive era through the state’s three-tier alcohol regulations. After Prohibition ended, the Commonwealth chose to maintain tight control over hard spirits — and, just as importantly, a reliable source of revenue. Over the years there have been efforts to reform or modernize that system. There was a glimmer of hope for change when Senator Obenshain introduced a privatization bill in 2009, but it never made it out of committee. Governor McDonnell later floated his own proposal, ultimately limiting it to privatizing retail storefronts while keeping wholesale and distribution under state control — an approach that sounded bold but changed little in practice. That effort failed as well.

In the end, there is simply too much money tied up in taxes and state-run profits for Richmond to loosen its grip on the system. And the situation is unlikely to improve under incoming state leadership that tends to favor restrictions and taxation over personal choice and individual freedom.

So today, responsibly enjoy an alcoholic beverage and celebrate the gift of personal choice.

Cheers!

Twenty-Four Years Later: Remembering and Standing Vigilant

It has been twenty-four years — nearly a quarter of a century — since the followers of a demonic ideology attacked our nation. For some Americans, memories have faded. Others choose to forget or forgive. A whole generation has grown up with no firsthand knowledge of that day and little grasp of its history. Yet the events of September 11, 2001 brought a horror to our shores that the world must never be allowed to forget.

The same ideology that fueled those attacks still spreads violence across Europe and throughout the world. It continues to bring evil to our own shores as well. And yet, many remain complacent, blind, or willfully ignorant. Worse still, some within our own government aid and placate those who threaten us.

Today we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families whose grief has never faded. Their sacrifice and suffering deserve not only our remembrance but also our resolve.

We must remember what was done to us on that bright September morning. We must stand firm against it. Be vigilant, for the evil one and his minions have not relented. The threat endures.

NEVER FORGET

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

cast into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

The Eternal Battle: Otranto and the War on Christianity

Today, August 14, we commemorate the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of a brutal conquest during the Ottoman invasion of the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. After a two-week siege, the city fell on August 11 to the muslim oppressors. What followed was a horrifying massacre: all men over the age of 50 were executed, and women and children under 15 were taken into slavery.

The leader of the invading force, Pasha Ahmed, summoned over 800 surviving Christian men and demanded that they convert to Islam or face death. These men, firm in their faith, refused to renounce Christ.

One among them stepped forward and delivered words that echo through the centuries:

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered by their defiance, Pasha Ahmed ordered their execution. On August 14, 1480, the 800 were taken to a nearby hill and beheaded while their families and fellow townspeople were forced to watch. Tradition holds that the body of the first to die, Antonio Primaldo, miraculously remained standing until all the others had been martyred.

With Otranto devastated and its population decimated, the Ottoman forces turned their sights toward Rome. The barbaric muslim conquest of Italy would ultimately fail following the death of Sultan Mehmet II which left the invading forces in disarray. 

A year later, in October 1481, the remains of the martyrs were found to be incorrupt and were transferred to the Otranto Cathedral. Pope Clement XIV beatified them on December 14, 1771. Centuries later, on May 12, 2013, Pope Francis canonized them as saints, honoring their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The war against Christianity is not confined to history. Though the weapons may change, the threats remain — from violent extremism abroad to ideological hostility at home. As we remember the courage and faith of the Martyrs of Otranto, let us pray for the strength to stand firm in our own trials, no matter their form.

Celebrate Freedom, Defend Liberty

Today — and indeed this entire weekend — patriotic Americans celebrate the foresight, wisdom, and bravery of our Founding Fathers in declaring independence from an oppressive government. Independence Day is a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined, and freedom-loving citizenry. The Fourth of July, our original “No Kings Day,” serves as both a celebration of liberty and a solemn reminder that freedom must be vigilantly protected.

Our forefathers were explicit in their intent: our rights are granted by our Creator, not by government. Power is legitimate only when it is derived from the consent of the governed. These timeless truths laid the foundation of a nation built on freedom. But today, those principles face constant threats — not only from foreign powers, but from within our borders, from citizens and non-citizens alike.

Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, America was built on the idea that all people are endowed with unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These founding principles still exist today — for all.

Yet a vocal and aggressive minority — enabled by pandering politicians and a compliant media — seeks to erode the very fabric of American liberty. Under a distorted vision of “freedom,” they work to silence dissent, erase history, redefine language, and shame anyone who dares to disagree. Their actions reveal not a love of justice, but a deep hostility toward the foundational principles of our republic.

Yet, hope abounds. Today, millions of patriotic Americans are growing weary of the lies, the violence, and the constant smears on their character and beliefs. We are tired of being labeled as extremists simply for standing by the values enshrined in our founding documents — freedom, faith, personal responsibility, and equal rights for all.

Even amidst chaos and division, the light of liberty has not been extinguished. A growing movement seeks to return to the values of 1776, reaffirmed by the Constitution. This movement is not driven by hate, but by love — love for country, for liberty, and for future generations who deserve to inherit a free and united nation.

Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Roger C. Weightman on June 24, 1826, reflected on the significance of this day:

“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

I, for one, am proud of my country. And I will not quietly accept efforts to dismantle it — whether by restricting my worship, infringing on my right to self-defense, or attempting to replace freedom with the tyrannical ideologies that history has already condemned.

So this Independence Day, don’t just wave a flag or light a firework. Reflect on what this nation stands for. Remember what was risked to create it. Celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. And above all — prepare to defend and preserve it for those who will inherit the nation we leave behind.

Happy Independence Day!

Bourbon Independence Day: A Toast to America’s Native Spirit

On May 4, 1964, Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 (S. Con. Res. 19) was passed, declaring that bourbon “is a distinctive product of the United States.” With that resolution, Bourbon Whiskey joined the ranks of other regionally protected spirits such as Scotch Whisky, Cognac, and Canadian Whisky — each of which must be produced in their respective countries of origin.

Although bourbon may have originated in Kentucky — then still part of Virginia — and the vast majority of it is still produced there today, bourbon is now made in all 50 U.S. states.

So, raise a glass (or two) and celebrate Bourbon Independence Day with your favorite pour!

Cheers!

Image from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-78/pdf/STATUTE-78-Pg1208-2.pdf

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Easter: Hope in the Midst of Battle

The Easter Sequence - Victimæ paschali laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim

Offer your thankful praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems;

Christ, who only is sinless,

Reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:

The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring

What you saw, wayfaring.

“The tomb of Christ, who is living,

The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;

bright angels attesting,

The shroud and napkin resting.

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;

to Galilee he goes before you.”

Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.

Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!

Amen. Alleluia.

"He is not here."

With those words, spoken by the messenger of God, the reality of the Resurrection was revealed to the world. The empty tomb proclaims that death and sin have been conquered. Every time I reflect on the Resurrection, I’m struck by the awe the women at the tomb must have felt that morning — confusion, fear, and overwhelming joy. I also wonder what went through the minds of those who persecuted Him. 

And yet, even in the light of the Resurrection, the Prince of Darkness continues his work in this world. His followers — willing or unwitting — carry out his will by twisting truth, sowing confusion, and offering false promises. Evil is repackaged as good; deception cloaked in virtue. As the enemy works to blur the lines, we see morality mocked and genuine love labeled as hate. Through relentless attacks on our faith, our freedoms, and the sanctity of life, we witness the spiritual battle that still rages.

But today, we celebrate the fulfillment of Our Lord’s promise. On this most glorious day, our fears are vanquished and our hearts are lifted. The Resurrection reminds us that the ultimate war between good and evil has already been won. For three days, it seemed like Satan had triumphed — but three days are nothing compared to eternity. Easter is our strength and our hope. It empowers us to persevere through trials, resist temptation, and stand firm in the face of persecution.

So today, we rejoice. Easter is the fulfillment of Christ’s promise of eternal life. It is the triumph of good over evil. Easter calls us to live with courage, to remain vigilant, and never to surrender to darkness.

Wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Easter. May the light and joy of the Resurrection remain in your heart all year long.

Happy Easter!

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Saint José Sánchez del Río: A Martyr’s Faithful Witness

Today, February 10, marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint José Sánchez del Río. On this day in 1928, a 14-year-old boy was executed by Mexican government forces for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith during the Cristero War. This period of brutal persecution, led by Mexican President Plutarco Elías Calles, was poignantly depicted in the film For Greater Glory.

Saint José was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2005, and canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016. Despite his young age, his courage and unwavering faith have made him an enduring symbol of religious freedom and devotion.

Saint José’s story is tragically underappreciated, particularly among American Catholics. Yet many may unknowingly recognize his face. A famous photograph of the boy standing alongside Cristero fighters often adorns the walls of Mexican restaurants in the United States. Few diners realize that this young man, who fought and died for his faith, is now a canonized Saint.

After being captured by government forces, José was subjected to unspeakable torment. Forced to witness the execution of fellow Catholics, he was repeatedly pressured to denounce his faith and cry, “Death to Christ the King.” He steadfastly refused.

On the day of his execution, José was forced to walk barefoot to his grave after the soles of his feet were cut. Along the way, he was repeatedly stabbed with bayonets, yet he continued to proclaim, “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King!).

When he reached his grave, the soldiers shot him. Even then, José drew a cross in the dirt with his own blood as a final act of faith and defiance. Enraged by the boy’s resistance, the commander shot him in the head.

The Cristero War, during which countless Catholics were killed for their beliefs, is a dark chapter often ignored in history books in both the United States and Mexico. It is a story of oppression and heroism that all freedom-loving people should know.

Saint José Sánchez del Río is a powerful model of faith, courage, and resistance against tyranny. His steadfastness in the face of unimaginable suffering is a challenge to all of us to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter the cost.

May we draw strength from his example when our own faith is tested.

Saint José Sánchez del Río, Pray For Us!

September 11: Some Have Forgotten

It's been twenty-three years. Memories fade for some. Some choose to forget. There's a whole generation that didn't experience the reality of that day and never learned history. The events of September 11, 2001 brought horrors to our shores that the world should never be permitted to forget. The same ideology that fomented the horrors of that morning continues to bring violence across Europe and throughout the world on a daily basis. It still brings evil to our shores regularly. Yet, so many remain complacent and blind. Appallingly, many in our own government continue to aid and placate those who threaten us.

We stand on a precipice. Remember what was done to us that sunny September day, and stand fast against it. The evil one and his minions have not given up. The threat remains. 

NEVER FORGET

St. Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the power of God,

cast into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Independence Day

A thought for today.

“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

— Thomas Jefferson, letter to Roger C. Weightman on the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, 24 June 1826.

This ending to Jefferson's last letter is worth remembering today.

Cheers!

He is risen! Alleluia!

I wish everyone a very blessed and joyous Easter. The culmination of the Liturgical year comes on this holiest of Feasts. By His Resurrection the joy of eternal life -- assuming we don't willingly throw it away -- is His ultimate gift to us.

After 2,000 years, the enduring joy of the Feast of Easter remains.

Happy Easter

Picture credit: https://www.dcourier.com/photos/2021/mar/31/985015436/

Saint José Sánchez del Río

Today, February 10, is the anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint José Sánchez del Río. On this date in 1928, this 14 year old boy was killed by Mexican troops for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith during the Cristero War. The story of this period of Catholic persecution led by Mexican President Calles was told in the movie "For Greater Glory." The young martyr was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on November 20, 2005, and later canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016.

The Saint's story is one with which few American Catholics are familiar. That is a tragedy in its own right. Though they might not know the Saint's story, many Americans are no doubt familiar with his face. The picture, shown below, of the young boy with Cristeros fighters is one we often see hanging in Mexican restaurants throughout the United States, among other old photos. Probably not too many diners know that a Saint and fighter for religious freedom is looking down at them while they eat.

After José was captured by government forces fighting the Cristero, he was forced to witness the torture and execution of fellow Catholic countrymen, yet he never wavered in his faithful resolve. He was himself was tortured and urged to shout "Death to Christ the King" with the promise his suffering would be over. On the day of his torturous execution, the soldiers cut the soles of his feet and he was made to walk barefooted to the grave they had dug for him. He was repeatedly stabbed with bayonets as he made his way to the place of his martyrdom.

Even after he had been shot he continued to cry out "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" ("Long live Christ the King!") The commander of the soldiers was so furious that he was able to resist the government barbarism, he finally shot the boy in the head. As he died he is said to have drawn a cross on the ground with his own blood as a final act of defiance.

During the Cristeros War many Catholics were killed by the Mexican government for their faith. This tragic part of recent history is pointedly ignored by the history books in both the United States and Mexico. It is a story that needs to be told and learned by all free people.

Saint José Sánchez del Río is truly a Saint for our times. His faithfulness in the face of torture and death should be a model for all of us. I pray we can be as strong when our own persecution comes.

Blessed José Sánchez del Río, Pray For Us!

Happy Repeal Day

On December 5, 1933 the nightmare of Prohibition finally came to an end. Utah became the 36th state to formally ratified the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 18th Amendment which had unsuccessfully attempted to ban alcohol in the United State was officially repealed.

Unfortunately, the Prohibitionists are still out there. Freedoms once lost, are rarely restored. So responsibly enjoy an alcoholic beverage today and celebrate the gift of personal choice.

Cheers!

Celebrating And Fighting For Independence

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America 

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. …

Today, and for many all week, patriotic Americans celebrate our Founding Fathers' wisdom, foresight and bravery in declaring independence from an oppressive government. It's a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed, determined, and a citizenry desirous of freedom. The celebration is a reminder to those of us who still stand by those principles enumerated in 1776 that we must continue to both celebrate and defend those ideals.

Celebrating this great gift of freedom means also not ignoring the obvious and immediate threats against it. The land of the free and home of the brave is facing attacks on liberty. Sadly, the immediate threats are increasingly domestic. There is a portion of the population, including many serving in public office, who have become extremely vocal and active in challenging freedom. They demand you speak only words they approve, while they redefine the vocabulary, and even make up new words to support their "science." There is a frightening push to legislate what is considered "free speech" in order to avoid hurting the "feelings" of those who have forsaken emotional maturity. Violence is increasingly a tactic. Beatings of Christians and burning of houses of worship are near daily news. The push to sexualize children reaches into everyday life - schools, libraries, and even craft breweries with their "family friendly" sexually explicit drag shows. These antagonists claim to believe in justice and inclusion, but in actuality they promote only division and separation

Our forefathers were explicit, and those terms remain unchanged. We maintain certain rights which are granted by our Creator. We will not acquiesce to demands to ignore and destroy what had been built over the last 200 years. It only took three percent of the population to break the country free from tyranny the first time. Honest and patriotic Americans are growing weary of the daily attacks and violence.

The light of freedom has not yet been extinguished. There's a growing push for a return to the values outlined in 1776, and later formalized in the Constitution. So this Independence Day, celebrate America. Celebrate freedom. Contemplate what losing it means. And seek to defend and maintain it.

Happy Independence Day!

Cheers!

He is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Happy Easter!

On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.
-- John 20:1-9

It's Easter, the fulfillment of Our Lord's promise of eternal life. Today marks the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The Resurrection confirms that our daily struggles are not for nought, that our final reward is eternal. Easter is our reminder to be hopeful, and vigilant, never surrendering to evil.

The Prince of Darkness is hard at work in this world. His minions do his bidding willingly, if naively, deceiving with false promises, and twisting the truth until evil is mistaken for good. The newly "woke" invoke his aid to create false guilt. Acquiescence to immorality is falsely promoted as "love and acceptance." All the while, morality and true love are deemed "hateful." Indeed, Satan's greatest trick is convincing the world that he doesn't exist. Through never ceasing attacks on our faith, attacks on our freedoms, attacks on the sanctity of life, we witness the battle against evil that continues still. 

Yet today, the empty tomb reminds us that there is hope. The promise of Easter gives us the strength to persevere. On this most glorious of days, we are reminded that we must continue to face oppression and persecution head on. We must not acquiesce or even compromise. Diluted or relabeled, evil is still evil.

Here's wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Easter. May the joy of the Resurrection remain in your life all year long.

Mass at the tomb of Jesus
The Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem
Photo by Colleen, 2010