NEW MEXICAN SAINT

 

Another saint who had a great devotion to the Eucharist, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus, was LUIS BATIZ SAINZ. He was born in Mexico in 1870 and at the age of 12 he entered the seminary of Durango, where he was known for his piety. From his ordination in 1894 until his death, he served as spiritual director of the seminary and parish priest at San Pedro Chalchihuites,  Zacatecas . 

His involvement with Catholic Action led him to found elementary and technical schools.  He was known to be friendly, cheerful, kind, and good-natured, and loved by his people.

In 1926, he spoke at a meeting that discussed the possibility of armed rebellion against the oppressive government, whose anticlerical policies alienated the religious Catholics of the country.

After convening a meeting of the National League in defense of religious freedom before the bishops closed the churches, Father Batiz was denounced as a conspirator plotting to overthrow the government and forced into hiding. He was arrested Aug.14. by government soldiers. When the townspeople demanded his release, he was transferred to Zacatecas. En route he was shot together with three members of Catholic Action (SS. Manuel Morales, Salvador Lara, and David Anrold).

Father Batiz was both beatified (1992) and canonized ( 2000) by Pope John Paul II.  His feast is May 25.

He is reported to have said, "Lord, I want to be a martyr; though I am your unworthy minister, I want to shed my blood, drop by drop, for your name."