We treat every reliquary order line an honor. Although creation of artistic works is our job, we always treat reliquaries as something special. We know that our works will contain a mortal part of a saint or blessed person. That gives us strength to work. The Reliquary of Jose Sanchez del Rio is our latest artistic work. Jose Sanchez del Rio is the patron of persecuted people, especially children who suffer violence.
A Brief History of the Life and Death of Jose Sanchez.
When the Cristero Rebellion broke out in 1926, Jose’s brothers joined the rebel forces. Jose was too young to fight. His duties included assisting the soldiers. He also cared for the flag.
When the commander’s horse died during combat on January 25, 1928, Jose gave him his own horse, so the commander could save himself. Unfortunately Jose was captured. He died on February 10, 1928, in Sahuayo, from a gunshot wound to the head. Moreover, he had been brutally tortured before. He walked to his own grave with bleeding feet.
How did Jose said goodbye to his family?
Below is an excerpt from a letter from Jose to his mother dated February 6, 1928:
My dear mother, I was captured during today’s battle. I think I will die soon. But that’s okay, Mother. You should accept God’s will. I die happy at Our Lord’s side. I don’t want you to worry about my death. Tell my brothers instead, for they have followed in the footsteps of the youngest among us; in this way, you will fulfill God’s will. Courage! Give me your blessing, along with your father’s. Give everyone one last greeting.
Reliquary of Jose Sanchez del Rio – concept and execution.
When we were preparing the design of the reliquary, we wanted to incorporate elements characteristic of the saint’s life and death.
Several elements had a significant impact on the overall reliquary composition.
One of these was the flag with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Jose venerated Our Lady of Guadalupe throughout his whole life.
During the battle, he was not given a weapon due to his young age. One of his duties was to carry the flag with Our Lady of Guadalupe. Therefore, we felt it essential to include it in the reliquary.
Reliquary of Jose Sanchez del Rio – sculpture details.
The executioners demanded that Jose renounce his faith.They offered to spare his life.
What did Jose do when he heard this offer?
He shouted “¡ Viva Cristo Rey!“, which means “Long live Christ the King.”
He then asked to be shot.
That’s why we placed on the reliquary a sash with the inscription “¡ Viva Cristo Rey!”
The photo shows details of the inscription.
Other details include the drops of blood flowing down the figure’s feet and the rosary in his hand.
Where is located our reliquary of Jose del Rio?
One of our reliquaries is currently located in Mexico City, at the Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol Sahuayo.
Where can I purchase the reliquary of Jose Sanchez del Rio?
If you would like to purchase the reliquary of Jose Sanchez del Rio, you find it in our store.
Bibliography:
https://web.archive.org/web/20131021151913/http://www.zenit.org/es/articles/jose-sanchez-del-rio-solo-tenia-14-anos-cuando-fue-martirizado
Read similar posts:
The Reliquary of Blessed Father Stefan Frelichowski
Reliquary and Reliquary – What’s the Difference? – or A Few Words About Saints.
