In these days, as we remember the sacrificial path of so many believers, a special visitor has journeyed through the Highlands of Jalisco with an open heart. This is a priest who previously served at the Holy See during the pontificate of Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025. Today, under the pastoral leadership of Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, the Church continues its mission of unity and service.
This pilgrim, known for his work in charitable works and his deep knowledge of religious architecture, has come to Mexico not as a tourist, but as a brother in faith. His visit coincides with a significant moment: the centenary of a period when many Christians gave supreme witness to their commitment to Christ.
Footprints of Holiness on Mexican Soil
From Tepatitlán de Morelos, where he has stayed, this Spanish priest has walked the same paths that a hundred years ago were traveled by men and women whose faith led them to martyrdom. Each church, each shrine, each prayer corner tells a story of total surrender.
One of the places that moved him most is the church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, an architectural jewel from the 18th century whose towers rise toward heaven like hands in prayer. There rest the remains of a diocesan priest, Tranquilino Ubiarco, who in October 1928 gave his life to remain faithful to his vocation. Upon learning his story, the visitor couldn't help but recall Jesus' words: "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:25, NIV).
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13, NIV)
Shrine of the Lord of Mercy
Another fundamental stop on this pilgrimage has been the Shrine of the Lord of Mercy, where an image found in the 19th century is venerated and has been a center of devotion for generations of believers. The festivities in honor of this devotion, which extend until late April, testify to a faith that endures and renews itself.
What most impressed the visitor was the recent church dedicated to the martyr Tranquilino Ubiarco, consecrated just in 2023. This sacred space not only houses relics of the holy priest, but stands precisely where the tree where he was martyred is still preserved, now transformed into a place of meditation and prayer.
Music That Elevates the Soul
As a connoisseur of sacred music, the priest also had the opportunity to appreciate the magnificent organ of the parish church of San Ignacio, in the neighboring municipality of San Ignacio Cerro Gordo. This instrument, restored after decades of silence, resonated once again with hymns of praise, reminding us that faith is expressed not only with words, but also with melodies that touch the deepest part of the heart.
The musical experience led him to reflect on how the psalms invite us to praise God with instruments: "Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe" (Psalm 150:3-4, NIV).
Lessons for Our Faith Journey
This encounter with the martyrs of Jalisco leaves us with several valuable lessons for our Christian life today:
- Authentic Faith Transcends Time: A hundred years later, the testimony of these martyrs continues to inspire and challenge new generations.
- Holiness is Built in Daily Life: These men and women did not seek martyrdom, but were faithful day by day until circumstances put them to the test.
- Historical Memory Strengthens Christian Identity: Remembering our martyrs helps us value the religious freedom we enjoy today.
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