Born in Guadalupe on January 13, 1891, Miguel Pro Juarez was one of 11 children. From an early age he showed both deep spirituality and a lively, mischievous personality. His humor and daring nature often amused and exasperated his family, and his childhood was marked by several close calls caused by his adventurous spirit. Miguel was especially close to his older sister, and when she entered a cloistered convent, he also began to consider a religious vocation. At age 20, he joined the Jesuit novitiate in El Llano, Michoacan.
Miguel continued his studies in Mexico until 1914, when rising government hostility toward the Catholic Church forced the Jesuits to flee the country. He continued his formation in Los Gatos, California, and later taught in Nicaragua from 1919 to 1922.
In 1925, Miguel Pro was ordained a priest in Enghien, Belgium. By then, Mexico’s political climate had become extremely dangerous for the Church. Public worship was banned, churches were closed, and clergy were frequently arrested or expelled. Despite these risks, Fr. Pro received permission to return to Mexico in secret to continue his ministry.
Arriving quietly in Mexico City, he began serving the faithful underground. He celebrated Mass, heard confessions, provided the sacraments, and supported Catholic families—all while constantly moving and using disguises to avoid detection. He became known for his creativity and courage, appearing at night dressed as a worker or beggar to carry out his ministry. On several occasions he even entered police headquarters in disguise to offer spiritual support to imprisoned Catholics.
In November 1927, after an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the President of Mexico, authorities used the incident as an excuse to arrest Fr. Pro and his brothers Humberto and Roberto, despite a lack of evidence. They were held without trial for ten days. On November 23, 1927, President Calles ordered the execution of Fr. Pro, not for proven involvement in the plot, but for his bold defiance of anti-Catholic laws.
Witnesses later recalled Fr. Pro’s calm and prayerful demeanor as he was led to the place of his execution. He expressed forgiveness, prayed for his country, and declared his faith with the words, “Viva Cristo Rey!” His funeral drew a crowd estimated at 30,000 people, a powerful sign of the devotion he inspired among the faithful.
Fr. Miguel Pro was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988. His life remains a testimony to courage, faith, and dedication. Modern Catholics can look to his example by using their own gifts and strengths with the same bravery and trust in God’s guidance.