Guadalajara, Mexico, May 20, 2008 / 06:58 pm (CNA).- In preparation for the eighth anniversary of the canonization of the martyrs of Jalisco of the Cristero War, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniguez of Guadalajara is encouraging the faithful to participate in the festivities scheduled for May 21.

The main celebration will take place outside the Shrine of the Martyrs being built at the Cerro del Tesoro in the Mexican state of Jalisco. 

In his message, Cardinal Sandoval recalled that the “27 saints whose canonization we commemorate on May 21 are the reason for the celebration, which I have asked priests to observe in all parishes, in addition to the special ceremony which will take place at the Shrine at the Cerro del Tesoro.”

The cardinal noted the special devotion of Mexicans, and in particular of Jalisco residents, to the Cristero martyrs, “as many of them were born and raised here.”

“They have an incalculable spiritual value that has no price: that of being witnesses of the faith, men of their word, defenders of their ideals, courageous in the face of death and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ to the point of shedding their own blood and giving up their lives.  These are admirable spiritual values that should inspire us all to imitate that faithfulness and loyalty to our beliefs,” the cardinal said.

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