Bl. Miguel Pro

Miguel Agustín Pro was a Mexican Jesuit priest, born in 1891. He was known for his humour and his gift for disguise.

In the 1920s Mexico's government closed churches and banned public worship. Father Pro, back from his studies in Europe, ministered in secret in Mexico City. He dressed as a mechanic, a businessman or a beggar to bring Communion, hear confessions and help hungry families.

In 1927 he was falsely accused of a bomb attack on a former president. He was shot by a firing squad on November 23, 1927, without a trial. Before he died he forgave his executioners, stretched out his arms like a cross and called out "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" ("Long live Christ the King!"). John Paul II beatified him in 1988.

The Church has declared Miguel Pro Blessed.

Beatification allows public veneration, usually in a particular region or religious family. Canonization extends it to the whole Church.