Né en 1882, dans une
famille modeste de paysans mexicains, à Yuriria, il fut orphelin très jeune et
dut remplacer son père pour assurer la subsistance de sa famille. Dès qu'il le
put, il entra au séminaire des Augustins et prit le nom religieux d'Elie del
Socorro. Prêtre en 1916, il fut envoyé dans un pauvre village en 1921,
connaissant lui-même la pauvreté. En 1926, les persécutions gouvernementales
l'obligèrent à devenir clandestin pour continuer son apostolat auprès de la
population. Découvert dans la grotte où il se retirait, il fut emprisonné et
fusillé le 10 mars 1928, en bénissant le peloton d'exécution.
Saint Matthieu Del
Castillo
Saint mexicain canonisé
par Jean Paul II (+ 1928)
Né en 1882, dans une
famille modeste de paysans mexicains, à Yuriria, il fut orphelin très jeune et
dut remplacer son père pour assurer la subsistance de sa famille. Dès qu'il le
put, il entra au séminaire des Augustins et prit le nom religieux d'Elie del
Socorro, en l'honneur de Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours. Prêtre en 1916, il
fut envoyé dans un pauvre village en 1921, connaissant lui-même la pauvreté. En
1926, les persécutions gouvernementales l'obligèrent à devenir clandestin pour
continuer son apostolat auprès de la population. Découvert dans la grotte où il
se retirait, il fut emprisonné et fusillé le 10 mars 1928, en bénissant le
peloton d'exécution.
Homélie du Pape Jean-Paul
II le 12 octobre 1997 pour la béatification - en anglais - en portugais
Elias
del Soccorso Neves (1882-1928) - Biographie en portugais - site du
Vatican
Il fit partie des saints
mexicains que la pape Jean Paul II a canonisés durant le Jubilé 2000.
Près de la ville de
Cortazar au Mexique, en 1928, le bienheureux Élie du Secours (Matthieu Nieves
del Castello), prêtre de l’Ordre de Saint-Augustin et martyr. Quand sévit la
persécution contre l’Église, il fut arrêté alors qu’il exerçait son ministère,
caché dans une grotte, et fusillé après avoir béni le peloton d’exécution et
distribué aux soldats ses effets personnels.
Martyrologe romain
SOURCE : http://nominis.cef.fr/contenus/saint/6132/Saint-Matthieu-Del-Castillo.html
Elías
del Socorro Nieves beato y mártir de la iglesia católica, nacido en Isla de San
Pedreo, Yuriria, Guanajuato, México.
Blessed Elias del
Socorro Nieves
Also
known as
Mateo Elias Nieves
Profile
Born a sickly baby in
a deeply religious peasant family;
had to be quickly baptized as
they did not think he would survive. Nearly died of tuberculosis at
age 12. His father died soon
after, and Elias had to support the family. Admitted to the Augustinian college of
Yuriria at age 22, considerably older than the standard admission age. Took
vows in 1911 as Elias
del Socorro. Ordained on 9
April 1916. Parochial vicar
of the village of La Canada de Caracheo in 1921.
During the government persecution of
the Church,
he refused to a city where he could be controlled; moving instead to nearby
hills where he continued to serve his parish,
usually under cover of dark. Arrested with
some pious laymen,
and martyred on
the side of the road for his faith and service.
Born
21
September 1882 at
San Pedro, Yuriria, Guanajuato, Mexico as Mateo
Elias Nieves
shot by soldiers under
the command of Captain Manuel Marquez Cervantes on 10
March 1928
17
December 1996 by Pope John
Paul II (decree of martyrdom)
12
October 1997 by Pope John
Paul II
Additional
Information
books
Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
other
sites in english
images
sitios
en español
Martirologio Romano, 2001 edición
siti
in italiani
Dicastero delle Cause dei Santi
Martirologio Romano, 2005 edition
nettsteder
i norsk
Readings
Long live Christ the
King! – Blessed Elias’
dying words
Every priest who
preaches the Word of God in
times of persecution has
no escape; he will die like Jesus on the Cross, with arms tied. – Blessed Elias
MLA
Citation
“Blessed Elias del
Socorro Nieves“. CatholicSaints.Info. 4 July 2023. Web. 10 March 2024.
<https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-elias-del-socorro-nieves/>
SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-elias-del-socorro-nieves/
Elías del Socorro Nieves (1882-1928)
was martyred during a twentieth century persecution of the Church in Mexico.
Mateo Elías Nieves del
Castillo was born September 21, 1882 on the Island of San Pedro, Yuriría,
Guanajuato, Mexico. His parents, Rita and Ramón, were farmers. Mateo Elías was
raised in a deeply religious atmosphere.
He wanted to become a
Priest from an early age. When he was 12, he nearly died from tuberculosis.
Shortly after he recovered, his father was killed by robbers. Mateo Elí had to
drop out of school and work on the farm to support his family.
In 1904, in spite of his
minimal early education, he was admitted to the newly opened Augustinian
seminary in Yuriría. Studies were not easy for him, and were made even more
difficult by poor eyesight.
But he continually felt
the help of God. When he professed his vows as an Augustinian, he changed his
name to Elías del Socorro (help) in grateful recognition of the help God had
given to him.
After being ordained a
Priest in 1916, he served in parishes. He was sent to La Cañada de Caracheo in
1921. This was an obscure, poor, primitive town of some 3000 persons. There, in
conditions of poverty, he ministered to both the spiritual and material needs
of the people.
When a persecution of the
Catholic Church began in Mexico in 1926, Elías defied a government order to
leave La Cañada. Instead, he went to live in a cave, ministering to the
faithful under cover of night.
After 14 months of this
clandestine life, he was arrested, along with two ranchers who were with him.
Elías readily admitted that he was a Priest, and proclaimed his faith in Jesus
Christ.
After their arrest, the
prisoners and their soldier captors set out for a nearby town. Along the way,
the Captain ordered the two ranchers, José de Jesús Sierra and his brother José
Dolores, shot. Refusing to leave Padre Nieves, they died courageously,
proclaiming Christ as their King.
They continued on their
journey, and a short time later, the Captain said to Padre Nieves, "It is
your turn now. Let's see if dying is anything like saying Mass."
Padre Nieves replied,
"You are speaking the truth. To die for our religion is a pleasing
sacrifice to God."
After giving his watch to
the Captain and blessing all the soldiers, Elías began to recite the Creed as
the soldiers prepared to kill him. His last words were, "Long live Christ
the King!"
His execution took place
March 10, 1928.
SOURCE : http://midwestaugustinians.org/bl-elias-del-socorro-nieves/
Blessed Elias gives men
and women of today a shining example of pastoral zeal and courageous witness to
the Christian faith.
Marco Elias Nieves del
Castillo was born in the Isle of San Pedro, Yuriria (Guananjuato, Mexico) on 21
September 1882. He was the son of Ramon and Rita, two humble and deeply
religious farmers.
Early on he showed a
great desire to become a priest but circumstances in life prevented it. At the
age of twelve, a case of tuberculosis put him at the door of death and months
later his father died at the hands of highwaymen. It was necessary for Elias to
abandon his studies in order to be able to earn some money with which he could
contribute to the support of his family.
In 1904, the Augustinian
College of Yuriria had just recently reopened. Despite his scarce preparation
and his adult age, he managed to be admitted. The understandable difficulties
stemming from seminary studies undertaken by one who was twenty-one years of
age and had just abandoned farm duties were overcome with incredible endurance
and effort. As a result of the need for economic aid and his weak physical
constitution he was on the verge of losing his sight, yet there was always
someone to lend a hand. In recognition of help from on high at so many times
during his life, upon his profession in 1911 he changed his name from Mateo
Elias to Elias del Socorro.
Once ordained to the
priesthood in 1916, he practiced his ministry I different localities of Bajio,
until 1921 when he was named parochial vicar of La Cañada de Caracheo, a town
of around 3,000 inhabitants, situated in the crevices of “Culiacán.” In this
obscure center of scarce economic resources, devoid of sanitary services,
public schools, and electricity, the works of Padre Nieves were not limited to
the spiritual assistance of his flock. Having known all too well from his youth
the meaning of manual labor and impoverishment, he was not burdened by the
privations of poverty which he dealt with by way of a generous spirit, a jovial
disposition, and confidence in divine providence.
It was precisely during
these years that there arose the popular movement of the “cristeros.” The
servant of God kept himself on the margin of the revolutionary movement that in
ways barely echoed among the local population which was very distant
ideologically and geographically from the socio-political problematic
underlying the revolution. At the end of 1926 when persecutions of the Church
broke out, despite his timid character, instead of obeying the government order
to reside in the big urban centers, he established himself in a cave near the
hill of La Gavia, assuring his faithful in this way of religious assistance,
usually under the cover of night. In the fourteen months during which that
situation lasted, someone to administer the sacraments or celebrate daily Mass
was never lacking.
This clandestine effort
came to an end the morning he stumbled across a posse of soldiers, whose
attention was caught by what could be made out under his white peasant’s cloak
as the vestments he used during his nocturnal ministry. Once interrogated he
declared his status as a priest, and was arrested along with two ranchmen, the
Sierra brothers, who had offered to accompany the priest. Driven to La Cañada,
he opposed the ransom attempts made on part of some of his faithful. He also
had the occasion to discuss religious topics with two of the officials who had
custody of him, but his luck had run out.
At dawn on 10 March 1928
the military and prisoners set out in the direction of the small urban center
of Cortazar upon which La Cañada depended. In his first order, the captain,
facing the troops, gave the order to execute the two companions of Padre
Nieves, who after going to confession to the Padre died valiantly proclaiming
Christ the King as victor. At the next station which was connected to a
beautifully landscaped mesquite, near the town, the captain addressed Padre
Nieves, saying “Now it is your turn; let us see if dying is like saying Mass.”
To which the servant of God responded, “You have spoken the truth, because to
die for our religion is a pleasing sacrifice to God.” He requested a few
moments to collect his thoughts, then gave over his watch to the captain, gave
his blessing to the soldiers kneeling to receive it, and began to recite the
creed while they prepared the guns for his execution. His last words were “Long
live Christ the King.” Pope John Paul II beatified him in July 1997
The Augustinian Family
celebrates his feast on 11 October.
Rotelle, John, Book of Augustinian Saints, Augustinian Press 2000.
Blessed Elias of Socorro
Nieves by Mario Ferrari, Rome, Italy.
SOURCE : http://osa-west.org/blessedeliasdelsocorro.html
Blessed Elias del
Soccorso (Matthew Nieves)
Yuriria (Guanajuato –
Mexico), 1882 – March March 10, 1928
Blessed Elias was an
Augustinian priest who was ordained in 1916, five years later he was appointed
vice parish priest at La Cañada de Caracheo (Gto.-Mexico). In this center, poor
and without health care and education, not only did he work in pastoral ministry
but also in the manual labor to help his faithful nell’indigenza and poverty.
The pastoral ministry of Father Nieves found many obstacles and difficulties
because of the social situation dominated by hatred and rivalry that resulted
in forms of anti-hard. It costs were the priests who were in the midst of poor
people. P Nieves took place far from any revolutionary movement. Despite his
timid nature, rather than to obey the government order to reside in cities, he
settled in a cave near a hill, thus ensuring the faithful support of religion.
The priest was illegal for 14 months. Upon arrest, when he was questioned he
declared his religious condition. On the morning of March 10, 1928 it was
announced that he had come the hour of his death. Fr Nieves asked for a moment
of recollection, gave his blessing to the soldiers and began the recitation of
the Creed, while they prepared their weapons to shoot them. His last words
were: Long live Christ the King
Roman Martyrology: Near
the city of Mexico Cortázar, Blessed Elias del Soccorso (Matthew Elias) Nieves
del Castillo, a priest of the Order of Saint Augustine and martyr, who, while
persecution raged, was arrested because of carrying on a concealed ministry,
was shot and died due to hatred for the priesthood.
Matthew Elías Nieves del
Castillo was born on the island of St. Pedro, Yuriria (Guanajuato – Mexico)
September 21, 1882. He was the son of Ramon and Rita, a marriage of poor
farmers of deep religiosity.
He had to delay his entry to the Augustinians, due to his poor health and for
his condition of poverty. He became a priest came only in 1916, at 34. After
his first pastoral experience, he was given the vicarage to the Cañada de
Caracheo, a very poor village. There he played his short but intense life of a
priest, working in full for his parishioners, instilling in them the comfort
and the Christian hope and sharing all the hardships and sufferings.
But Mexico was
experiencing one of the most tragic moments in its history. Released from
Spanish rule in the war of independence in 1822, had never managed to walk
towards a real national unity. Rich nations, which camped huge concession
rights for oil and other resources of the subsoil, incite any internal division,
which was a sounding board from the landowners and, unfortunately, even the
high-ranking clerics, all in fierce defense of their ancient privileges.
Against all of the weather was very turned on, resulting in forms of
anti-wheat, of which the costs were often the priests who were in the midst of
poor people. In practice there was a real power center, a security law, a hope
of appeal and justice. Anyone who had had the opportunity to recruit people and
to store weapons and the law had become “the law”. Hatred, rivalry, strife and
cross-district without exploding as the bubbles in a mass of incandescent
magma. The fear of all was that one day or the other could arrive, perhaps in
the small town lost in the countryside, a group of those people.
It in fact arrived at
Cañada de Caracheo. On March 7, 1928. But already a few years before, the
government had adopted drastic measures in order to prevent any religious
activity that was not under the direct control of the civilian government.
Provisions that generally were not observed, however, allow any excess to those
who had poisoned the tooth against religion. Generally the religious life
continued more or less normally, but in the climate of increased risks.
Everyone knew him. Went well until he went well, but if something is jammed,
they were trouble.
Fr Elias, to be on the
safe side, hid in a cave among the mountain, living as a hermit. He went out
regularly to provide his parishioners all religious care, as if nothing had
changed. Prudence, but without fear. His parishioners, who did not understand
anything of the government, understood him, loved him more and more.
On March 7, then, came a
detachment of soldiers to search, it seems, for certain cattle thieves. Given
the late hour, they decided to stay in the parish church. But during the
attempt to force the door the people rebelled and there was a shooting. The
soldiers then asked for reinforcements and another detachment reached the
country. On March 9 Fr Nieves, disguised as a peasant, but he himself was to
confess when the general asked if he was a priest. He was immediately taken
prisoner, along with two young peasants, the Sierra brothers, who tried to keep
hidden.
On the morning of March 10, soldiers and prisoners went on to Cortazar, which depended on the Cañada. But the prisoners arrived there. Before the brothers touched Sierra. It was possible that the Father confessed them, then they were shot while shouting: “Long live Christ the King!”
Resumed the journey. Neighbors now Cortazar, the commander stopped the squad
and said p. Elias sarcastically: “Now it’s up to you. Let us see if you know
you know how to die during Mass”. The Father said: “It is right. To die for
religion is a sacrifice pleasing to God.”
At his request to grant a
half hour to prepare for the big step for him was as the offertory of the Mass
with Jesus he was to shake the heaviness of the moment, saying: “Behold, I am
ready.” When the guns were smooth, he said with decision: “Kneel down. I want
to bless you as a sign of forgiveness.” They all knelt, except that the
commander, who shouted, “I do not want blessings. Carabina me enough.” And as
the Father had his hand raised to bless, the shot to the heart. The Father had
time to shout too, clearly: “Long live Christ the King!”
Immediately, people took
to worshipping him as a holy martyr.
His body was buried in
un’apoteosi of the crowd, the ground soaked with his blood has been preserved
as a relic, the place of the shooting was immediately his sanctuary. His
sacrifice is an offering for the pacification of the people.
He was solemnly beatified
October 12, 1997 by Pope John Paul II.
Author: P. Bruno
Silvestrini O.S.A.
Source: Santi
e Beati
SOURCE : https://theblackcordelias.wordpress.com/2009/03/10/blessed-elia-del-soccorso-matteo-nieves-march-10/
Blessed Elias del Socorro
Nieves
Patron Saint of Mexico,
prisoners, and illness.
Augustinian Priest and
Matyr (1882-1928)
His life
+ Mateo Elias Nieves was
born in San Pedro, Guanajuato, Mexico. He was so weak at the time of his birth,
he was baptized immediately because it was believed he would not survive. He
suffered from tuberculosis as a child and almost died of the disease when he
was 12 years old.
+ After his father’s death, Elias had to support his family but was eventually able to begin studies at the Augustinian college in Yuriria. He later entered the Augustinian Order, professing religious vows in 1911 and receiving the religious name “Elias del Socorro.” He was ordained in 1916.
+ Elias served as
parochial vicar in La Canada de Caracheo but when the government’s persecution
of the Church began in 1926, he took refuge in countryside, continuing to
minister to his parishioners.
+ Arrested on March 10,
1928, he was shot by the side of the road, a martyr for his faith and
commitment to his duties as a pastor.
+ Blessed Elias del
Socorro Nieves was beatified in 1997.
Spiritual bonus
On this day, the Church
remembers Saint Gustav (of Götstaf) the Hermit. Born in Sweden around 810, it
is believed that he was the first person baptized in Sweden by the
missionary-bishop Saint Ansgar. Gustav later became a hermit and died on March
10, 890.
Quote
“Every priest who
preaches the Word of God in times of persecution has no escape; he will die
like Jesus on the Cross, with arms tied.”—Blessed Elias del Socorro
Prayer
O God, who were pleased
to give light to your Church by adorning blessed Elias with the victory of
martyrdom, graciously grant that, as he imitated the Lord’s Passion, so we may,
by following in his footsteps, be worthy to attain eternal joys. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman
Missal: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr)
Saint profiles prepared
by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
Access
our archives of daily saint biographies here
SOURCE : https://aleteia.org/daily-prayer/saturday-march-10/
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF:
Fr ELÍAS DEL SOCORRO
NIEVES,
Fr GIOVANNI BATTISTA
PIAMARTA,
Fr DOMENICO
LENTINI,
MOTHER MARY OF JESUS
AND
Sr MARIA TERESA FASCE
HOMILY OF POPE JOHN PAUL
II
Sunday, 12 October 1997
1. "Good
Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mk 10:17).
This question, which in
today’s Gospel text, was asked by a young man, has been put to Christ by
countless generations of men and women, young and old, clerics and lay people.
"What must I do to have eternal life?". It is a fundamental question
for every Christian. We know Christ’s answer very well. He reminds his
interlocutor above all to observe the commandments: "Do not kill, Do not
commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud,
Honour your father and mother" (Mk 10:19); cf. Ex 20:12-16). The young man
replies enthusiastically: "Teacher, all these I have observed from my
youth" (Mk 10:20). At this point, the Gospel emphasizes, the Lord looks
lovingly at him and adds: "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and
give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow
me". However, the account tells us that "At that saying his
countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great
possessions" (Mk 10:21-22).
2. Instead, the new
blesseds raised to the glory of the altars today, promptly and enthusiastically
accepted Christ’s invitation: "Come, follow me!" and they followed
him to the end. Thus the power of God’s grace is revealed in them, and in their
earthly life they even succeeded in doing what seemed humanly impossible.
Having placed all their trust in God, everything became possible for them. That
is why I am pleased to present them today as examples of faithfully following
Christ. They are: Elías del Socorro Nieves, martyr, a professed priest of
the Order of St Augustine; Giovanni Battista Piamarta, a priest of the
Diocese of Brescia; Domenico Lentini, a priest of the Diocese of
Tursi-Lagonegro; Mary of Jesus, in the world, Emilie d’Hooghvorst,
foundress of the Society of the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix; Maria Teresa
Fasce, a professed nun of the Order of St Augustine.
3. "And Jesus
looking upon him loved him" (Mk 10:21). These words of the Gospel
text call to mind the spiritual and apostolic experience of Fr Giovanni
Piamarta, founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family of
Nazareth, whom we contemplate today in heavenly glory. Following Christ’s
example, he, too, was able to bring a great many boys and young men to meet the
Lord’s loving and demanding gaze. How many, thanks to his pastoral activities,
were able to start out joyfully in life, having learned a skill and, above all,
having encountered Jesus and his message of salvation! The new blessed's
apostolic work has many facets and embraces many areas of social life: from the
world of work to that of agriculture, from education to the publishing sector.
He has left a great mark on the Diocese of Brescia and on the entire Church.
Where did this
extraordinary man of God find the energy for all his numerous activities? The
answer is clear: assiduous and fervent prayer was the source of his tireless
apostolic zeal and beneficial influence which he exercised on everyone he
approached. He himself said, as the accounts of his contemporaries recall:
"With prayer one is strengthened by the strength of God himself ... Omnia
possum". Everything is possible with God, for him and with him.
4. "Let the
favour of the Lord our God be upon us" (responsorial psalm). The deep
awareness of the Lord’s favour motivated Bl. Domenico Lentini, who in his
itinerant preaching never tired of inviting to conversion and return to God.
For this reason his apostolic activity was accompanied by the diligent
ministry of the confessional. Indeed he well knew that in celebrating the
sacrament of Penance, the priest becomes the dispenser of divine mercy and a
witness of the new life that is born through the penitent's repentance and the
Lord’s forgiveness.
A priest with an
undivided heart, he could combine fidelity to God with fidelity to
man. He addressed his ardent charity in particular to youth, whom
he taught to be firm in the faith, and to the poor, to whom he
offered everything he had with absolute trust in divine Providence. His total
dedication to his ministry made him, in the words of my venerable Predecessor,
Pope Pius XI, "a priest rich only in his priesthood".
5. In the second
reading of the liturgy we heard: "The word of God is living and active ...
piercing to division of soul and spirit" (Heb 4:12). Emilie d’Hooghvorst
accepted this word in her inmost depths. By learning to submit to God’s will,
she first fulfilled the mission of all Christian married couples: she made her
home "a sanctuary of family life" (cf. Apostolicam
actuositatem, n. 11). Widowed and motivated by the desire to
participate in the paschal mystery, Mother Mary of Jesus founded the Society
of Mary Reparatrix. By her life of prayer she reminds us that in
Eucharistic adoration where we draw from the source of life that is Christ, we
find the strength for our daily mission. May each one of us, whatever our state
of life, be able "to listen to Christ’s voice", "which must
govern our lives", as she liked to say!
Her beatification is
therefore an encouragement for the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix to continue their
apostolate through renewed attention to the people of this age. The sisters
will respond to their mission according to their charism: to awaken the faith
of our contemporaries and help them in their spiritual growth, thereby actively
participating in building the Church.
6. To his disciples,
amazed at how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God, Jesus said: "With
men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with
God" (Mk 10:27). This message was received by Fr Elías del Socorro Nieves,
an Augustinian priest, who is raised to the glory of the altars today as a
martyr of the faith. His total trust in God and in Our Lady, Help of Christians
to whom he was deeply devoted, characterized his whole life and priestly
ministry, which he exercised with self-denial and a spirit of service, without
letting himself be overcome by obstacles, sacrifices or danger. This faithful
Augustinian religious knew how to transmit hope in Christ and in divine
Providence.
The life and martyrdom of
Fr Nieves, who did not want to abandon his faithful despite the risks he was
taking, are in themselves an invitation to renew faith in God who can do
everything. He faced death with fortitude, blessing his executioners and
witnessing to his faith in Christ. The Church in Mexico today has a new and a
powerful intercessor who will help her to renew her Christian life; his
Augustinian brothers have one more example to imitate in their constant search
for God in fraternity and in service to the People of God; for the whole Church
he is an eloquent example of the fruits of holiness which the power of God’s
grace produced in him.
7. The first reading,
from the Book of Wisdom, reminds us that wisdom and prudence flow from
prayer: "I prayed; and understanding was given me; I called upon God,
and the spirit of wisdom came to me" (Wis 7:7). These words closely
apply to the earthly life of another new blessed, Maria Teresa Fasce, who lived
in the constant contemplation of the mystery of Christ. The Church holds her up
today as a radiant example of the living synthesis between contemplative life
and a humble witness of solidarity to men and women, especially to the poorest,
the humble, the abandoned and suffering.
The Augustinian family is
living an extraordinary day today, because it sees united in the glory of the
altars the representatives of two branches of the Order, the apostolic, with
Bl. Elías del Socorro Nieves, and the contemplative, with Bl. Maria Teresa Fasce.
For Augustinian religious, their example is a cause of joy and legitimate
satisfaction. May this day continue to be a providential opportunity for a
renewed commitment, in total and faithful consecration to God and in generous
service to their brothers and sisters.
8. "Why do you
call me good? No one is good but God alone" (Mk 10:18). Each one of these
new blesseds heard Christ’s essential definition and understood where to seek
the original source of holiness. God is the fullness of good that is selfdiffusive.
"Bonum est diffusivum sui" (St Thomas Aquinas, Summa
Theol., I, 9.5, a.4. ad 2). The supreme Good wants to give himself and to
make all who seek him with a sincere heart resemble him. He desires to sanctify
everyone who is prepared to leave everything to follow his Incarnate Son.
The primary aim of this
celebration is therefore to praise God, source of all holiness. We glorify the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, because the new blesseds, baptized in the
name of the Blessed Trinity, collaborated with God’s grace with persevering
heroism. Fully participating in divine life, they now contemplate the glory of
the Lord, face to face, enjoying the fruits of blessedness proclaimed by Jesus
in the "Sermon on the Mount": "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:3). Yes, the kingdom of heaven
belongs to these faithful servants of God, who followed Christ to the end,
fixing their gaze on him. With their lives they witnessed to him who died on
the Cross and was raised for them and for all people.
The whole Church, mother
of saints and blesseds, the great spiritual family of mankind called to
participate in divine life rejoices.
Together with Mary,
Mother of Christ and Queen of saints, together with the new blesseds, let us
proclaim God’s holiness: "Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest".
Amen!
© Copyright 1997 -
Libreria Editrice Vaticana
SOURCE : http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1997/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_12101997.html
BL. ELIAS del SOCORRO NIEVES was born on the Island of San Pedro, Yuriria, Guanajuato, Mexico on 21 September 1882 into a modest but deeply religious peasant family. He early expressed his desire to be a priest but circumstances prevented it: at the age of 12 tuberculosis brought him to death's door, then his father was killed and he was obliged to earn the family's keep. Despite his adult age and scarce preparation he was admitted to the Augustinian college of Yuriria in 1904. He overcame his frailty and inevitable difficulties in his studies with determination, never failing to find the financial help he required, so that when he took his vows in 1911 he changed his name from Mateo Elias to Elias del Socorro. He was ordained a priest in 1916. In 1921 he was appointed parochial vicar of La Canada de Caracheo, a village then isolated and extremely poor. At the time when the "Christeros" movement started as a popular reaction to the religious persecution, instead of obeying the Government's orders to settle in a large city, he moved to a village in the nearby hills of La Gavia, thus assuring his faithful of his continued religious assistance, usually given under cover of night. After 14 months of this clandestine ministry, together with two ranchers who had offered to accompany him, he was arrested by a military patrol. Soldiers and prisoners set out at dawn on 10 March 1928, for the small local capital of Cortazar. On the way, the captain gave orders to shoot the two ranchers; they died proclaiming Christ the King as victor. At the next halt, the captain said to Fr Nieves, "Now it is your turn: let us see if dying is like saying Mass", to which he answered, "You have spoken the truth, because to die for the faith is a sacrifice pleasing to God". He blessed the soldiers and began to recite the Creed. His last words were "Long live Christ the King".
SOURCE : https://web.archive.org/web/20180702204415/https://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/bios97.htm#nieves
Beato Elia del Soccorso (Mateo Elías Nieves del
Castillo)Sacerdote agostiniano, martire
>>>
Visualizza la Scheda del Gruppo cui appartiene
Yuriria, Messico, 21 settembre 1882 - Cortázar,
Messico, 10 marzo 1928
Mateo Elías Nieves del Castillo nacque da una famiglia
di modesti contadini a San Pedro de Yuriria, presso Guanajuato in Messico, il
21 settembre 1882. Rimasto orfano di padre, dovette lavorare duramente per
aiutare la famiglia. Nel 1903 poté entrare nel seminario agostiniano, assumendo
con la professione religiosa il nome di Elia del Soccorso, in onore della
Madonna del Soccorso. Venne ordinato sacerdote il 19 aprile 1916. Fu nominato
parroco de La Cañada, mentre il Messico stava per essere sconvolto da una
persecuzione religiosa. Quando il governo, per combattere la Chiesa, ordinò ai
sacerdoti di abbandonare le zone rurali e ritirarsi nelle città, padre Elia
rimase nascosto in una grotta della zona, per non abbandonare i suoi fedeli,
prodigandosi nell’aiutarli spiritualmente e materialmente. Scoperto e catturato
dai soldati governativi, venne fucilato in località La Cañada de Caracheo, nei
pressi di Cortázar, il 10 marzo 1928, dopo aver benedetto il plotone e
distribuito ai soldati le cose personali che portava con sé. È stato
beatificato il 12 ottobre 1997.
Martirologio Romano: Vicino alla città di
Cortázar in Messico, beato Elia del Soccorso (Matteo Elia) Nieves del Castillo,
sacerdote dell’Ordine dei Frati di Sant’Agostino e martire, che, mentre
infuriava la persecuzione, fu arrestato perché esercitava di nascosto il suo
ministero e morì fucilato in odio al sacerdozio.
Matteo Elías Nieves del Castillo nacque nell'Isola di
S. Pedro, Yuriria (Guanajuato - Messico) il 21 settembre 1882. Era figlio di
Ramón e Rita, un matrimonio di modesti agricoltori di profonda religiosità.
Dovette tardare a entrare tra gli Agostiniani, come
ardentemente desiderava, sia per motivi di salute che per la sua condizione di
povertà. Per questo arrivò ad essere sacerdote solo nel 1916, a 34 anni. Dopo
le sue prime esperienze pastorali, gli fu affidato il vicariato alla Cañada de
Caracheo, una borgata molto povera. Lì egli ha svolto la sua breve ma intensa
vita di sacerdote, impegnandosi senza riserve per i suoi parrocchiani,
infondendo in essi il conforto e la speranza cristiana e condividendone tutti i
disagi e le sofferenze.
Ma il Messico stava vivendo uno dei momenti più
tragici della sua storia. Uscito dalla dominazione spagnola con la guerra di
indipendenza del 1822, non era mai riuscito a incamminarsi verso una vera unità
nazionale. Le nazioni ricche, che accampavano enormi diritti per concessioni
sul petrolio e altre risorse del sottosuolo, fomentavano ogni possibile
divisione interna, a cui facevano da cassa di risonanza i latifondisti e,
purtroppo, anche degli ecclesiastici di alto rango, tutti accaniti nella difesa
dei loro antichi privilegi. Contro tutti costoro il clima era fortemente
acceso, sfociando anche in forme di duro anticlericalismo, di cui spesso
facevano le spese i sacerdoti che stavano in mezzo alla gente povera. Non c'era
in pratica un vero potere centrale, una sicurezza del diritto, una speranza di
appello e di giustizia. Chiunque avesse avuto modo di arruolar gente e di
ammassare armi faceva la legge e diveniva "la legge". Odi, rivalità,
lotte incrociate e senza quartiere esplodevano come le bolle in una massa di
magma incandescente. La paura di tutti era che un giorno o l'altro potesse
arrivare, magari nel più piccolo centro sperduto nelle campagne, un gruppo di
quella gente.
E infatti arrivò anche a Cañada de Caracheo. Era il 7
marzo 1928. Ma già da un paio d’anni il governo aveva emanato drastiche
disposizioni allo scopo di impedire qualsiasi attività religiosa che non fosse
sotto il controllo diretto dell'autorità civile. Disposizioni che in genere non
venivano osservate, però permettevano qualunque eccesso a chi aveva il dente
avvelenato contro la religione. In genere la vita religiosa continuava più o
meno normalmente, ma nel clima di grossi rischi. Ognuno ce lo sapeva. Andava
bene finché andava bene, ma se qualcosa si inceppava, erano guai.
Il p. Elia, per prudenza, si nascose in una grotta tra
quei monti. Grotta da eremita. Ma ne usciva regolarmente per prestare ai suoi
parrocchiani tutte le cure religiose, come se nulla fosse cambiato. Prudenza,
ma senza paura. I suoi parrocchiani, che non capivano nulla delle misure
governative, capivano lui, lo amavano sempre di più.
Il 7 marzo, dunque, arrivò un distaccamento di soldati
alla ricerca, sembra, di certi ladri di bestiame. Essendo l'ora tarda, decisero
di pernottare nella chiesa parrocchiale. Ma al tentativo di forzare le porte la
gente si ribellò e ci fu una sparatoria. I soldati allora chiesero dei rinforzi
e un altro distaccamento raggiunse il paese. Il giorno 9 stanarono il P.Nieves,
travestito da contadino, ma fu lui stesso a dichiararsi sacerdote quando gli
chiesero le generalità. Fu immediatamente preso prigioniero, insieme a due
giovani contadini, i fratelli Sierra, che cercavano di tenerlo nascosto.
La mattina del 10, soldati e prigionieri partirono
alla volta di Cortazar, da cui dipendeva la Cañada. Ma i prigionieri non vi
arrivarono. Prima toccò ai fratelli Sierra. Fu permesso che il Padre li
confessasse, poi furono fucilati mentre gridavano: "Viva Cristo Re!"
Ripresero il cammino. Vicini ormai a Cortazar, il
comandante fermò il drappello e disse a p. Elias con sarcasmo: "Ora sta a
voi. Fateci vedere se sapete morire come sapete dir Messa". Il Padre
rispose: "È giusto. Morire per la religione è un sacrificio gradito a
Dio".
Su sua richiesta gli concessero una mezz’ora per
prepararsi al grande passo che per lui era come l'offertorio di una Messa con
Gesù. Fu lui a scuotere la pesantezza del momento dicendo: "Eccomi, io
sono pronto". Quando i fucili furono spianati, egli disse con decisione:
"Ora inginocchiatevi. Vi voglio benedire in segno di perdono". Si
inginocchiarono tutti, eccetto il comandante che gridò: "Io non voglio
benedizioni. Mi basta la carabina". E mentre il Padre aveva ancora la mano
alzata per benedire, gli sparò al cuore. Il Padre fece in tempo a gridare con
chiarezza anche lui: "Viva Cristo Re!"
Subito la gente prese a venerarlo come un santo
martire.
Il suo corpo venne tumulato in un'apoteosi di folla,
la terra imbevuta del suo sangue è stata conservata come reliquia, il luogo
della fucilazione fu subito il suo santuario. Il suo sacrificio è stato
un'offerta per la pacificazione del popolo.
Fu solennemente beatificato il 12 ottobre 1997.
Autore: P. Bruno Silvestrini O.S.A.
SOURCE : http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/90154
Beato Elías del Socorro
Nieves del Castillo, presbítero y mártir
fecha de inscripción en el santoral: 10 de marzo
n.: 1882 - †: 1928 - país: México
canonización: B: Juan Pablo II 12 oct 1997
Elogio: Cerca de la
ciudad de Cortázar, en México, beato Elías del Socorro (Mateo Elías) Nieves del
Castillo, presbítero de la Orden de San Agustín y mártir, que en el furor de la
persecución contra la fe de Cristo, hecho prisionero por desempeñar ocultamente
el ministerio, fue fusilado por odio al sacerdocio.
Ver más información en: Mártires mexicanos
(1915-1937)
Mateo Elías Nieves del
Castillo nació el 21 de septiembre de 1882 en Yuriria, Guanajuato. Fue frágil
de salud desde su nacimiento, teniendo que ser bautizado de urgencia, por el
peligro que corría su vida. Después padecería tuberculosis y una ceguera
temporal que le dejó como secuela cierta debilidad visual. Su infancia y
juventud fueron difíciles. Principalmente por la pérdida de los padres y de
otras personas que, caritativamente, se habían interesado por él. No tuvo oportunidad
de estudiar ni de seguir su vehemente deseo de ingresar en la Orden
Agustiniana. Maduró su vocación religiosa en una intensa vida cristiana, vivida
en su parroquia, donde fue un joven comprometido con la acción pastoral.
Sólo muy tardíamente pudo
incorporarse al seminario agustino. Cuando comenzó los estudios secundarios era
un joven que había madurado humanamente por los muchos sufrimientos padecidos,
y espiritualmente por su intensa vida cristiana. Asumió, con humildad,
compartir aula y régimen de seminario con compañeros adolescentes. Tenía 28
años de edad cuando realizó su primera profesión. En ese momento tan importante
de su vida se puso en manos de María, añadiendo a su nombre de bautismo el
título agustiniano del Socorro.
Fue ordenado sacerdote el
9 de abril de 1916, a los 33 años de edad. Eran tiempos políticamente
borrascosos. Sabía que le esperaba un ministerio difícil, pero le urgía el amor
a su gente. «¡Sálvalos, Señor, que perecen!», decía con frecuencia. Después de
ejercer el ministerio sacerdotal en Yuriria, Aguascalientes, Maravatío y
Pinícuaro, Michoacán, donde dejó buenos recuerdos, fue asignado a la comunidad
de la Cañada de Caracheo, Michoacán. Ejerció su ministerio en medio de gentes
sencillas, entregándose a ellas con alegría y dedicación. La escuela de la
pobreza hizo de él un hombre que supo vivir con sobriedad. No eran momentos
para empeñarse en grandes obras. El Padre Elías del Socorro fue grande en la
fidelidad a lo sencillo.
Fue muy amigo de los
pobres a los que socorría en sus necesidades; celebraba con fervor la misa y
era muy devoto de la Santísima Virgen. Concluyó su vida después de un periodo
de clandestinidad, para mantener su servicio pastoral. El Padre Nieves no quiso
acatar la orden del gobierno de concentrarse en la capital, porque eso
significaba abandonar su grey y no estaba dispuesto a alejarse de ellos en
horas de dificultad. Quería quedarse «a pesar de todo». Por eso vivió 14 meses
refugiado en una cueva, protegido por la caritativa complicidad de sus fieles, que
acudían a la gruta a orar, asistir a la Eucaristía y recibir los Sacramentos.
Fue aprehendido por los
federales el 7 de marzo de 1928. El capitán Márquez lo llevó con otros presos
hacia Cortazar, Guanajuato. Las actas del proceso ilustran las peripecias de su
prendimiento y muerte, así como el conmovedor acompañamiento de dos de sus
fieles que, dejados en libertad por el pelotón asesino, no quisieron abandonar
a su pastor. A pesar de su insistente ruego para que se fueran, prefirieron
correr la misma suerte del sacerdote agustino, fueron los laicos José Dolores y
José de Jesús Sierra.
Al llegar al lugar
llamado "El Llano", los federales se detuvieron y pusieron al Padre
Nieves frente a un mezquite. El Padre Elías oró, entregó a los soldados su
gabán y pidió a los mismos que se hincaran para darles su bendición. Fue
asesinado el 10 de marzo de 1928, cuando tenía 45 años de edad. Murió
bendiciendo a los soldados que se disponían a ejecutarle y regalando su perdón
y sus escasos bienes a su propio verdugo. El momento de su muerte es de una
extraordinaria grandeza. Ningún testimonio tan impresionante como el del
ejecutor material de su muerte, el capitán Manuel Márquez Cervantes, quien,
años más tarde, manifestó: «El Padre Nieves murió como un héroe y como un santo»;
conservó como recuerdo los lentes y la cobija que le había regalado el agustino
antes de asesinarle. Los fieles le consideraron mártir desde la fecha del
fusilamiento. Su cuerpo fue trasladado a la Iglesia parroquial de Cañada de
Caracheo, Guanajuato, comunidad de unos 5 mil habitantes, la mayor del
municipio de Cortazar, donde descansa bajo el altar. Se le atribuyen decenas de
milagros y la gente acude en masiva peregrinación en el aniversario de su
muerte. Fue beatificado por SS Juan Pablo II el 12 de octubre de 1997.
Texto que tomamos, con
algunos cambios, de la página Oremos
Juntos, quienes indican como autor al Lic. Juan Manuel Robles Gil, de
Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México.
accedido 4462 veces
ingreso o última
modificación relevante: ant 2012
Estas biografías de santo
son propiedad de El Testigo Fiel. Incluso cuando figura una fuente, esta ha
sido tratada sólo como fuente, es decir que el sitio no copia completa y
servilmente nada, sino que siempre se corrige y adapta. Por favor, al citar
esta hag
SOURCE : https://www.eltestigofiel.org/index.php?idu=sn_837
Beato Elías del Socorro
Nieves, agustino mártir.
Beato Elías del Socorro
Nieves, agustino mártir. 10 de marzo
El 21 de septiembre de
1882 nació en la isla de San Pedro, rodeado por las aguas del lago de Yuriria,
en el estado de Guanuajuato, el niño Mateo Elías Nieves Castillo. Sus padres
tuvieron que trasladarse al convento agustino del pueblo de Yuriria donde alguna
vez residió el también Beato Bartolomé Gutiérrez (3 de septiembre), para que su
pequeño hijo fuera bautizado. Desde pequeño Mateo tenía la intención de ser
sacerdote, pero a los doce años su padre muere asesinado y él tiene que dejar
sus estudios para ayudar a su madre a mantener a su familia. Posteriormente
parte a Celaya, Guanajuato en busca de un mejor salario, donde trabaja de todo.
Luego parte a Irapuato y comienza a prepararse para ingresar a la Orden de San
Agustín. Durante diez días fallecieron su madre y su tío fray Antonio Castillo,
debido al desaliento que esto le provocó se dedicó a cultivar el campo.
En 1904 el colegio de San Pablo, del convento agustino de Yuriria es reabierto
y Elías se presenta para ser admitido, a pesar de que un primo suyo trata de
convencerlo de que él estaba hecho para el campo y no para el convento, pero el
beato no se dio por vencido. Aceptado en el convento siguió trabajando para
mantenerse pero terminó perdiendo la vista. Ayudado por varias personas logro
viajar a Morelia, Michoacán a visitar a un médico quien le dijo que necesitaba
muchos cuidados para recuperar en un año la vista. Elías se encomendó a Nuestra
Señora del Socorro imagen venerada por la provincia agustina como su patrona y
que había sido un obsequio de Santo Tomás de Villanueva (22 de
septiembre y 10 de octubre) a los primeros agustinos enviados a territorio
novohispano y en tres meses Elías recuperó la vista.
El 19 de enero de 1910 recibió el hábito agustino y un año después hizo su
profesión y cambio su nombre por el de fray Elías del Socorro Nieves, en
agradecimiento a Nuestra Señora del Socorro por el milagro de recuperar su
visión. Fue enviado a Aguascalientes para seguir preparándose y ser ordenado
sacerdote el 9 de abril de 1916 por el obispo Ignacio Plasencia y Moreira. En
su pueblo natal, Yuriria, celebró su primera misa y fue nombrado vicario
cooperador de la parroquia. Posteriormente vuelve a Aguascalientes donde estuvo
por espacio de dos años. A finales de 1921 fue nombrado vicario del pueblo de
Cañada de Caracheo. Allí el padre Nieves, como era cariñosamente conocido, se
dedicó a concluir la construcción del templo y en 1925 colocó un reloj público.
Se opuso en varias ocasiones a las exhibiciones cinematográficas, que
consideraba contrarias a la moral.
Al comenzar las tensiones entre la Iglesia y el Estado, el padre Nieves decide
esconderse en una cueva en la barranca de "El Leñero", cerca
del cerro de la Gavia y organizó a sus feligreses en siete grupos para que
fuera a escuchar misa y recibir los sacramentos el día de la semana que les
tocara. A las tres de la mañana llegaban a la cueva para ser confesados y
recibir diversos sacramentos y escuchar misa, el padre Nieves arregló la cueva
de tal modo que tuviera todo lo necesario para celebrar la eucaristía. Por las
noches el padre Nieves descendía al pueblo para atender a enfermos y ancianos
que no podían ir a la cueva a escuchar misa y aprovechaba a oficiar bodas y
bautizos.
El 7 de marzo de 1928 llegó un regimiento de soldados al mando del capitán
Manuel Márquez siguiendo a unos ladrones. Buscando un sitio donde pasar la
noche llegaron a la casa cural y al no poder entrar intentaron derribar la
puerta, pero dos vecinos, Gregorio López y Nicolás Bernal, intentaron evitar
que destruyeran la puerta y fueron aprehendidos en el acto. En respuesta a esa
injusta acción los vecinos empezaron un tiroteo que duró tres horas. A la
mañana siguiente López y Bernal fueron fusilados, al entrarse de tan terrible
noticia el padre Nieves decidió recluirse en oración todo el día jueves. Esa
noche la pasó en casa de los hermanos Sierra, en el rancho de San Pablo y
celebró misa el viernes por la mañana.
Al medio día el padre Nieves salió a dar un paseo disfrazado como campesino con
un amplio sombrero, pero se encontró con los militares al mando del mayor
Leonardo Rodríguez quien se percató que por debajo del pantalón de manta salía
las orillas del pantalón negro del sacerdote y entonces lo detuvo en el acto.
Entraron a casa de los hermanos Sierra buscando agua pero sorprendieron a los
habitantes ocultando armas de fuego, y el mayor ordenó detener a José Dolores y
Jesús Sierra. De camino a Cañada de Caracheo los soldados iban montados a
caballo y los tres detenidos caminando. Llegados a Cañada, un vecino de nombre
Toribio Martínez, por atención al sacerdote les ofreció pasar la noche en su
casa, a lo que los militares aceptaron. El capitán Márquez entabló burlonamente
una discusión sobre teología con el padre Nieves que se prolongó durante toda
la noche. El señor Toribio ofreció al capitán y al mayor la cantidad de 1,000
pesos por la libertad del padre Nieves. El mayor estaba de acuerdo pero el
capitán no, lo que terminó en una discusión violenta en la que don Toribio y el
padre tuvieron que intervenir para calmar los ánimos. El padre Nieves enterado
de la situación dijo: "No, Toribio no conoce esa cantidad de dinero, ni yo
puedo aceptar que nadie se comprometa por mí. De modo que no hay lugar a
discusiones. Que se haga la voluntad de Dios y nada más". El mayor Rodríguez
decidió partir esa noche dejándole toda la responsabilidad al capitán Márquez.
Al percatarse el padre Nieves de la discusión entre ambos militares, se acercó
a los hermanos Sierra para decirles que huyeran debido a que ellos le harían
falta a sus familia, pero estos se negaron alegando que si ellos hacían falta a
sus familias, más falta hacía el que era el padre espiritual de tantas
familias. A las diez de la mañana del 10 de marzo de 1928 el contingente
militar emprendió la retirada y una hora más tarde en la hacienda de Las
Fuentes se ordenó el fusilamiento de los hermanos Sierra. José Dolores cayó
muerto de un infarto antes de ser fusilado y Jesús murió abatido por las balas
mientras con sus últimas palabras clamaba "¡Viva Cristo Rey!", aunque
a ambos se les dio el tiro de gracia.
El padre Nieves pidió ser fusilado en otro sitio y fue llevado a tres
kilómetros donde había un árbol de mezquite y un poste de teléfono. El agustino
se arrodilló a hacer oración y le dijo al militar: "Capitán, estoy listo
para morir por mi religión". El capitán le preguntó la hora al sacerdote y
este le respondió que faltaban cinco minutos para las tres de la tarde e
inmediatamente le obsequió su reloj al capitán y sus demás pertenencias a los
otros soldados. El hijo de San Agustín le pidió a sus captores que se
arrodillaran para recibir la bendición, lo que inmediatamente hicieron los
soldados, pero el capitán algo molesto sacó su pistola y le dijo: "Yo no
necesito bendiciones de curitas, a mí me basta mi pistola", y en el acto
disparó al padre Nieves. Al caer al suelo el sacerdote logró exclamar: "Dios
te perdone, hijo mío. ¡Viva Cristo Rey!". El capitán Márquez se acercó y
le dio el tiro de gracia, para después partir hacia el pueblo de Cortázar.
Una mujer que presenció el martirio escondida en unos matorrales se acercó a
tratar de auxiliar al sacerdote y pudo escuchar que con sus últimas palabras
dijo: "hombres de poca fe", luego de esto la mujer fue a darle aviso
a los demás vecinos. Un pastor que también presenció el acto vio que un tozo
del cráneo de había desprendido, lo devolvió a su lugar y envolvió la
cabeza del padre Nieves para evitar que se volviera a desprender pero todo fue
inútil, el sacerdote ya había expirado. Al llegar los vecinos recogieron el cuerpo
del padre Nieves y el de los hermanos Sierra y los llevaron para ser velados y
los tres fueron sepultados en el panteón de la localidad al día siguiente. En
1936 los restos del padre Nieves y los hermanos Sierra fueron trasladados a la
iglesia de la Virgen de los Dolores de la Cañada de Caracheo.
Fray Elías del Socorro
Nieves, conocido cariñosamente como el padre Nieves fue beatificado por el
beato papa Juan Pablo II, el 12 de octubre de 1997. En su pueblo natal,
Yuriria, Guanajuato, anualmente el día 10 de marzo en recuerdo del martirio del
padre Nieves se realiza la representación de “la pasión del padre Nieves” y el
santo entierro del padre Nieves, llevando una imagen del beato en un ataúd,
revestido con los ornamentos litúrgicos, para después celebrar la misa en su
honor.
12 OCTOBER 1997
Mártir, 10 de marzo
Por: Fernando Rojo, o.s.a. | Fuente: www.OSANET.org
Sacerdote y Mártir
Martirologio Romano: Cerca
de la ciudad de Cortázar, en México, beato Elías del Socorro (Mateo Elías)
Nieves del Castillo, presbítero de la Orden de San Agustín y mártir, que en el
furor de la persecución contra la fe de Cristo, hecho prisionero por desempeñar
ocultamente el ministerio, fue fusilado por odio al sacerdocio. († 1928)
Fecha de beatificación: 12 de octubre de 1997 por el Papa Juan Pablo II
Breve Biografia
Mateo Elías Nieves nace
en Yuriria (Guanajuato - México). Hijo de modestos agricultores, muy pronto
manifestó el deseo de ser sacerdote, pero a los doce años su padre era
asesinado por unos salteadores, y le resultó necesario dejar los estudios para
poder ganar algún dinero con el que contribuir al sustentamiento de la familia.
En 1904, no obstante su escasa preparación y a su edad adulta, consiguió ser
admitido en el seminario agustiniano de Yuriria. Las dificultades por causa de
los estudios iniciados por quien a los veintiún años abandonaba las faenas del
campo fueron superadas con tesón y esfuerzo. En las provenientes de la carencia
de recursos económicos y la débil constitución física - estuvo a punto de
perder la vista - nunca faltó quien le echara una mano. En reconocimiento a la
ayuda de lo alto en tantos momentos de su vida y movido de su filial devoción a
María, al profesar en 1911 cambió el nombre de Mateo Elías por el de Elías del
Socorro.
Ordenado sacerdote en 1916, ejerce su ministerio en diversas localidades del Bajío,
hasta que en 1921 es nombrado vicario parroquial de La Cañada de Caracheo
(Gto.), un poblado en las estribaciones del "Culiacán". En este
centro de escasos recursos económicos, desprovisto de servicios sanitarios y de
escuela pública no se limitó a la asistencia espiritual de su grey. Habiendo
conocido el trabajo manual y la indigencia, no le pesaron ni las privaciones ni
la pobreza, que compartió con ánimo generoso, jovial disponibilidad y confianza
en la Providencia.
Fue precisamente durante estos años cuando nace el movimiento popular de los
"cristeros". El P. Nieves, que se mantuvo al margen de esta
revolución armada, cuando a finales del 1926 se llegó a la efectiva persecución
de la Iglesia, a pesar de su carácter tímido, en vez de obedecer la orden del
gobierno de pasar a vivir en las ciudades, se estableció en la cueva de un
cerro cercano, asegurando así a sus fieles la asistencia religiosa.
Esta clandestinidad forzada, llevada adelante durante catorce meses finalizará
la mañana en que se tropezó con un destacamento de soldados, a los que llamó la
atención que bajo el vestido blanco de campesino se entreviera el oscuro que
empleaba en su ministerio pastoral nocturno. Interrogado, declaró su condición
de sacerdote, siendo arrestado inmediatamente junto con un par de rancheros que
se ofrecieron a acompañarlo. Al amanecer del 10 de marzo de 1928 militares y
prisioneros se pusieron en camino en dirección al pequeño centro urbano de
Cortazar. En el primer alto el capitán al frente del destacamento dio la orden
de pasar por las armas a los dos acompañantes del Padre, testigos incómodos,
quienes después de confesarse murieron victoreando a Cristo Rey. En la
siguiente parada, ya próximos al poblado, el capitán se dirige al Padre
diciéndole: "Ahora le toca a Vd., vamos a ver si morir es como decir
misa". El P. Nieves pidió unos momentos para recogerse, después dió la
bendición a los soldados y comenzó a recitar el credo mientras estos preparaban
las armas para fusilarlo. Sus últimas palabras fueron un sonoro "Viva
Cristo Rey".
Sus restos descansan en la iglesia parroquial de la Cañada.
SOURCE : https://es.catholic.net/op/articulos/35881/elas-del-socorro-beato#modal
Den salige Elias del
Socorro Nieves (1882-1928)
Minnedag: 10.
mars
Den salige Elias del
Socorro ble født som Matteus Elias Nieves del Castillo (sp: Mateo Elías) den
21. september 1882 på øya San Pedro i Yuriria i Guanajuato i Mexico. Hans
foreldre var Ramón Nieves og Rita del Castillo, beskjedne, men dypt religiøse
bønder. Han ble raskt døpt, siden man ikke trodde han kom til å leve opp. Han
ga tidlig uttrykk for sitt ønske om å bli prest, men omstendighetene hindret
det. For i en alder av tolv år brakte tuberkulose ham til dødens rand, og han
ble rammet av midlertidig blindhet. Noen måneder senere ble faren drept av
landeveisrøvere, så derfor måtte Elisas avbryte skolegangen for å tjene penger
til familiens livsopphold.
I 1904 hadde
augustinernes kollegium i Yuriria nettopp åpnet igjen. Til tross for sin høye
alder og sine manglende forberedelser klarte den 22-årige Elias å komme inn.
Gjennom besluttsomhet og hardt arbeid overvant han sin skjøre helsetilstand,
sitt dårlige syn og de uunngåelige vanskelighetene i studiet på grunn av sitt
dårlige grunnlag, og han klarte alltid å finne den økonomiske hjelp han
trengte. Han sluttet seg til augustinerordenen (Ordo Sancti Augustini –
OSA), og da han avla sine løfter i 1911, endret han sitt navn fra Mateo Elias
til Elias del Socorro («av hjelpen»). Han ble presteviet den 9. april 1916.
Deretter utførte han
prestetjeneste ulike steder i Bajio før han i 1921 ble han utnevnt til kapellan
i La Cañada de Caracheo, en landsby med 3.000 innbyggere som da var isolert og
ekstremt fattig. Under kirkeforfølgelsene i Mexico på 1920-tallet oppsto
bevegelsen Cristeros som en folkelig reaksjon på forfølgelsene.
Regjeringen ga ordre om at prestene skulle bosette seg i større byer hvor de
kunne kontrolleres, men i stedet flyttet Elias til en nærliggende landsby i
fjellene i La Gavia. Dermed forsikret han de troende om sin fortsatte
prestetjeneste, som vanligvis ble utført i ly av mørket.
Etter fjorten måneders
hemmelig prestetjeneste ble Elias arrestert av en militærpatrulje sammen med to
kvegfarmere, José Dolores og José de Jesús Sierra, som hadde tilbudt seg å
følge ham. Ved daggry den 10. mars 1928 satte soldatene av gårde mot den lille
lokale hovedstaden Cortazar med de tre fangene. På veien ga deres offiser,
kaptein Manuel Marquez Cervantes, soldatene ordre om å skyte de to farmerne. De
døde mens de proklamerte Kristus Kongen som seierherre.
Ved neste stopp sa
kapteinen til p. Elias: «Nå er det din tur. La oss se om det å dø er som å
feire messen». Han svarte: «Du har talt sant, for det å dø for troen, er et
offer som gleder Gud». Han ga kapteinen klokken sin og velsignet soldatene, som
knelte ned. Deretter begynte han å resitere trosbekjennelsen. Hans siste ord
var ¡Vivo Cristo Rey! «Leve Kristus, Kongen!» Han var 45 år gammel.
Helt fra Elias'
henrettelse regnet hans sognebarn ham som martyr. Hans legeme ble senere
flyttet til sognekirken, og årsdagen for hans død ble minnet hvert år. Den 17.
desember 1996 undertegnet pave Johannes Paul II (1978-2005) dekretet fra
Helligkåringskongregasjonen som anerkjente hans martyrium og som ga ham
tittelen Venerabilis, «Ærverdig». Han ble saligkåret av paven den 12.
oktober 1997 på Petersplassen i Roma. Hans minnedag er dødsdagen 10. mars, mens
augustinerne feirer sin medbror den 11. oktober.
Kilder: Index99,
Patron Saints SQPN, Abbaye Saint-Benoît, EWTN/OR, midwestaugustinians.org, aug.org,
osa-west.org, geocities.com - Kompilasjon og oversettelse: p. Per Einar Odden -
Sist oppdatert: 2005-07-03 17:06
SOURCE : http://www.katolsk.no/biografier/historisk/enieves
Voir aussi : http://augustinians.net/index.php?page=esocorro_en
