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St. Pedro de Jesús Maldonado Lucero Knights of Columbus Council 2419Chihuahua, MéxicoPedro de Jesús Maldonado Lucero was born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, on June 15, 1892. When he was 17 years old, he entered the conciliar seminary of that diocese. Cheerful, friendly and kind, he is remembered by his classmates for his exemplary behavior and dedication to his studies.The suppression of the seminary in 1914 sent him back home. With the political situation in Mexico, he left to study for the priesthood in El Paso, Texas where he was ordained on Jan. 25, 1918.Depite the risk, he returned to Chihuahua to...

"A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929), which was touched off by a rebellion against the Mexican government's attempt to secularize the country. The film follows the stories of ordinary people from across the country who choose to stand up for their freedom. Caught up in a full-fledged civil war, they all must decide how far they are willing to go and what they're willing to risk."

While Mexico is not a country that many would associate with religious persecution, there was a time when it was not only against the law, but dangerous for Catholics to practice their faith there. It was a time when priests – many of whom were tortured and executed – risked their lives to celebrate Mass in secluded grottoes, when nuns disguised themselves as lay women to escape arrest, and when Catholics took up arms and – with cries of “Viva Cristo Rey!” and “Viva La Virgin de Guadalupe!” – rose up in rebellion. “People were not permitted to attend Mass,”...

Taking American stars to film in Mexico's dicey Durango region might seem like a bit of a gamble -- and one that only grows when you consider that the film in question, the $8 million "Cristiada," is a historic epic about the nation's bloody 1920s conflict over religious freedoms, not necessarily a subject that travels easily. But producer Pablo Jose Barroso of NewLand Films thinks that by shooting in English with names like Andy Garcia and Eva Longoria, the film has universal potential. And he says the drug-related violence in the region hasn't been a problem, thanks to security and...

Origin of the Sacred Heart Badge Our Lord revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque "His wish for her to order a picture of the image of that Sacred Heart for people specifically to venerate and have in their homes and also small pictures to carry with them." She wrote this to her Superior, Mother Saumaise, on March 2, 1686. Thus was born the devotion of wearing the little Badges. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque always kept a badge with her and inspired her novices to do the same. She made many badges and often said this practice was very pleasing to...