The government invited photographers, expecting to show a priest begging for his life. Instead Pro refused a blindfold, forgave his executioners, held out his arms in the shape of a cross, and said, “¡Viva Cristo Rey!”, “Long live Christ the King!” The photographs were seen around the world. He was beatified in 1988.
Historical Context
The date also honours St Clement, the fourth bishop of Rome, whose letter to the Corinthians is one of the oldest Christian writings outside the New Testament, and St Columban, the Irish monk who founded monasteries across France, Switzerland and Italy around 600.
A November 23 Prayer
Lord Jesus, Christ the King,
on this day Blessed Miguel Pro died with your name on his lips.
Give me courage to live for you when it’s inconvenient,
and to forgive those who oppose me.
Protect Christians who are persecuted today.
Long live Christ the King!
Amen.
For Priests in Danger
Lord, protect priests who serve in places where faith is illegal or dangerous.
Blessed Miguel Pro, pray for them.
Amen.
With St Columban
St Columban, you left Ireland to bring Christ to strangers.
Pray for missionaries and travellers.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 23 November.
- Around the feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Church year.
- When praying for persecuted Christians.
Scripture Connection
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34
Miguel Pro forgave his executioners with Christ’s own words. His last cry proclaimed the King he died for.
Related prayers
For November, see the November 24 Prayer and November 17 Prayer. For courage, the Prayer of Fortitude.