The secretary said, "The Pro brothers have not confessed
any connection to the crime, and we have no proof against
them."

But the following morning, without benefit of an examining
judge, or lawyer, or anything, sentence on Miguel Pro and
his three companions, was to be carried out. Keep in mind
that none of what was going on was known by Miguel Pro. He
and his friends were sure they would speak to a judge, or
someone, and this whole charade would come to an end. This
was not the first time he had been in prison, nor would it
be his last. It was just another nail in the Cross.

He was most likely relieved when the guard came and told
him and his brother Humberto to follow him. Miguel bounced
up, leaving his vest behind. When the guard sent him back
to get his vest, something clicked in Migue's mind.
Possibly a sinking feeling went through him. Was this it?
Was it his time to follow in the footsteps of his Savior,
to walk his Way of the Cross? He went back into the cell,
and put on his vest. His brother Roberto, helped him with
it. Miguel squeezed his arm in a way that shot fear into
Roberto's heart. He looked at his brother. The eyes were
knowing. Roberto panicked. Miguel turned to the other
prisoners in the cells, and with a bravado, said "Good-by
my sons, my brothers."

The guard, Mazcorro, asked Miguel's forgiveness for his
part in what was about to happen. "Not only do I pardon
you, but I thank you. I will pray for you." Then he and his
brother, without any handcuffs, followed the guard out onto
the courtyard. Miguel went out first.

The cold, biting air of the November morning sent a chill
across his face. His hair blew in the wind. The sun was
shining brightly. It was a glorious day. Miguel surveyed
the situation in the courtyard. It was as he feared.
Soldiers were lined up for a firing squad! All the
eyewitnesses, various generals and dignitaries, as well as
members of the press, came to attention as they saw for the
first time, the famous Jesuit, who had made such fools of
President Calles and his entire police force for so long.
Cameras began clicking photos for posterity of this man,
who looked more like a student than a conspirator. Miguel
walked straight as a rod into the center of the courtyard.
It was as if he was running the show, as he had always
done. He was asked his last request. He asked to pray. He
went down on his knees, folded his arms, and closed his
eyes.

What did Miguel say to the Lord on this, the most important
moment of his life? Did he ask for strength and courage, to
set an example not only for his brothers, but for all those
who were yet to come? Did he ask for help from his founder,
the fearless Ignatius Loyola? Did he speak to Mary? Did he
ask her to help him now? He needed her so much. He wanted
to do this right. He wanted to give glory to her Son,
Jesus, and to her. He wanted them to be proud of him. He
wanted all the martyrs before him, to look on him with
pride. He wanted, by his last simple act, to make the
plight of his countrymen, worthwhile.

He stood up. His communication with Jesus and his Heavenly
Family gave Miguel the strength he needed. Eyewitnesses
report, his face was aglow, shining as if a reflection of
the sun. He raised his arm to his executioners in the form
of a blessing. He shouted in a loud, strong voice, "May God
have mercy on you! May God bless you! Lord, Thou knowest
that I am innocent! With all my heart I forgive my enemies!"

The command was given the soldiers. "Prepare!"

From his breast pocket, Miguel took out a brass crucifix
that he was given on the day of his ordination. In his
other hand, he held the rosary he had gotten in Lourdes. He
held both outstretched, at arms length, in the form of the
Cross. He said, in a voice which was not loud, but could be
heard by everyone in the assembly, "Viva Cristo Rey."

"Fire!" The sound from the blast of the rifles, ricocheted
against the walls of the courtyard, shattering the tense
silence. Bullets ripped through Miguel?s chest, pushing him
backward, but he remained standing. Cameras went off like
crazy, catching the image of the dead man, who wouldn't go
down. Finally, he slumped into a heap on the ground. The
captain came over to him, and shot him in the head, to end
his torture. Miguel Pro was dead, but never forgotten.

----------------------------------------------------
Bob and Penny Lord are renowned Catholic authors and
television hosts on EWTN, Global Catholic television. They
are prolific writers about the Catholic faith, especially
the Saints for which they have been dubbed "experts on the
Saints." For more information about Blessed Miguel Pro go
to http://www.bobandpennylord.com/ygMiguelPro.htm

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