St. José Sánchez del Río Chapel

Over the summer of 2025, St. Mary’s Catholic School embarked on a meaningful mission: the creation of the St. José Sánchez del Río Chapel, a sacred space on our school campus created to foster prayer, reflection, and spiritual unity within our community.

Led by Fr. Will, Dcn. Chris, and dedicated seminarians, the chapel was constructed through the heartfelt efforts of volunteers and donors, transforming a simple room into a lasting legacy of faith.

As construction progressed, the St. Mary’s community answered the call to create something truly special. Whether it was furnishings that encourage contemplation, statues that inspire reverence, or other finishing touches that enhance the space, every contribution helped improve the chapel’s beauty and function. We are especially grateful for the manpower and donations from community members, whose dedication greatly contributed to this project.

Dedicated to a Young Saint

Dedicated on September 26, the chapel honors St. José Sánchez del Río, a young martyr of the Cristero War and patron of persecuted Christians, children, and adolescents.

St. José Luis Sánchez del Río was born in 1913 in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, and raised in a devout Catholic family with a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. At just 12 years old, he experienced the violent persecution of the Church during the Cristero War, a period when the Mexican government outlawed the Catholic faith, closed churches and schools, and martyred countless priests and faithful.

Although still a boy, José begged to serve Christ and the Church by joining the Cristero fighters. He was too young to bear arms, but he was entrusted with the honor of carrying the banner of Christ the King.

In 1928, at the age of 14, José was captured by government forces. He was offered freedom if he renounced his faith—but he refused. Instead, he proclaimed his love for Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe. In cruel punishment, soldiers cut the soles of his feet and forced him to march through the streets. With each painful step, he prayed the Rosary, sang hymns to Our Lady, and called out with courage:

“I will never give in! ¡Viva Cristo Rey y Santa María de Guadalupe!”

José offered his suffering and death as a witness to Christ, just one month before his 15th birthday. St. José teaches us that holiness is not dependent on age but on faithfulness. His heroic witness reminds all young people—and all Christians—to live with courage, purity, and unwavering devotion to Christ and His Church. His feast day is celebrated on February 10.

A Chapel in the Heart of Our School

The St. José Sánchez del Río Chapel is located right in our school building, giving our students daily access to a place of prayer and encounter with Jesus. It is used for:

• Class visits for prayer and catechesis
• Quiet, personal prayer and reflection
• Liturgical celebrations and devotions as scheduled

As we bless our new chapel under his patronage, we pray that St. José, the young soldier of Christ, will intercede for our school community—especially our children—that we may walk faithfully in love, strength, and purity.