Saintly Saturday - Blessed Miguel Gomez Loza

 

           Born on August 11, 1888, Blessed Miguel Gomez Loza spent his early years tending to livestock and agricultural duties with his brother. He actively participated in Church activities and fostered a tender love for God and the Blessed Virgin. In 1912, he entered seminary, but finding he did not have a priestly vocation, Miguel decided to study law. In 1916 he began at the Catholic School of Law and later completed his studies at the Guadalajara School of Jurisprudence. In 1922 he married Maria Guadalupe Sanchez Barragan, and the couple conceived three children. 

Throughout his life, Miguel partook in Catholic action, which included participating in the founding of multiple organizations, such as the Catholic Association of Mexican Youth and the National Catholic Party. He also joined the National League for the Defense of Religious Freedom. However, when religious conflict grew worse as Plutarco Elias Calles came into power and the League opted for arms, Miguel held to his belief that non-violence was the better act of resistance. 

Miguel was appointed Provisional Civil Governor of Jalisco after the death of Anacleto Gonzalez Flores, and in 1927 he ruled the western part of Guanajuato. A year later, he retired and moved to a ranch near Atotonilco. Federal forces were hunting him, and when they discovered his whereabouts, he was executed by firing squad on March 21, 1928.

Blessed Miguel Gomez Loza, pray for us!