San José Isabel Flores Varela

Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela, also known as Father Jose Flores, was born on November 28, 1866, in Teul, Zacatecas, Mexico. He demonstrated his strong faith in God from a young age and his desire to serve Him in the priesthood. Jose's dedication and piety led him to enter the seminary in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he pursued his studies in theology. After completing his education, Father Jose Flores was ordained as a priest and began his ministry in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco, Mexico, in the year 1900. He quickly became renowned for his compassionate and gentle nature, as well as his unwavering commitment to his flock. However, during this time, Mexico was undergoing a period of religious persecution orchestrated by the government, which sought to suppress the influence of the Catholic Church. Confronted with this difficult situation, Father Jose made the courageous decision to remain with his parishioners, even though it meant going into hiding and ministering covertly. His dedication and refusal to abandon his sacred duty to the Church earned him the admiration and respect of his congregation. Unfortunately, there were individuals who were antagonistic towards the Catholic faith, and one such person was the mayor of Zapotlanejo, Jose Orozco. Orozco, known for his anti-Catholic sentiments, offered a reward for the capture of any priest. Nemesio Bermejo, an ex-seminarian who lived with Father Flores, betrayed him for the reward. Father Jose Flores was arrested and imprisoned in the rectory, which Orozco had transformed into a makeshift jail. The conditions were harsh, as he was denied food and water for three days. The mayor also played loud music outside the gaol to prevent him from sleeping. He persistently attempted to coerce Father Jose into cooperating with the government in exchange for his freedom, but the priest steadfastly declined. The night of Father Jose's death is marked by unimaginable brutality. He was taken to a nearby cemetery, where he was subjected to torture. The soldiers repeatedly hanged him from a tree, but lowered him before he died. Astonishingly, one of the soldiers, who had been baptized by Father Flores, refused to participate in the torture. In response, the other soldiers shot him. Afterward, they looted Father Jose's few possessions and ultimately murdered him. The soldiers attempted to shoot Father Jose, but their guns failed to fire, leaving them astounded. Finally, the troop's commander, Anastasio Valdivia, resorted to cutting Father Flores' throat, resulting in his martyrdom. The bravery and unwavering faith displayed by Father Jose during this ordeal represent the depth of his commitment to God and the Catholic Church. Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela's martyrdom did not go unnoticed. Pope John Paul II recognized his sacrifice and the sanctity of his life by decreeing Father Jose's martyrdom on March 7, 1992. On November 22, 1992, the same Pope beatified him, acknowledging his status as a blessed martyr. Ultimately, on May 21, 2000, during the Jubilee of Mexico, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela as a Catholic saint. Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela's life serves as an inspiration to all Catholics, especially in times of religious persecution and adversity. His selfless dedication to his flock and unwavering faith in the face of tremendous hardship epitomize the virtues of a true martyr. We celebrate and venerate Saint Jose Isabel Flores Varela on June 21st and also on May 21st as one of the Martyrs of the Mexican Revolution, forever grateful for his exemplary life and sacrifice.