What is a "white" martyr?

Dearest Ones,

The lives of the saints inspire me with their courage. A martyr is someone who gives his life for the love of Jesus. Many have shed their blood for the Lord as martyrs; because of this they are called "red" martyrs. But not all martyrs are "red" martyrs. Those who do not shed their blood but still live for Our Lord are called "white" (sometimes called "dry") martyrs. "White" martyrs live as strong Christians, loving their neighbor and not being afraid to publicly witness to Jesus by the way they live.

In the past century, in 1927, a brave young priest, Fr. Miguel Pro, was executed at the age of 36 because he would not stop saying Mass and administering the sacraments in Mexico. He came from a wealthy, Catholic, Mexican family of seven children. He was not always religious because when his two sisters became nuns, he was so furious he ran away from home. Finally, after several days, he was found and his mother suggested he make a retreat with the Jesuits. He reluctantly did so and it changed his life forever. He became a priest at the worst time of persecution of Catholics in Mexico. At a time when many priests in Mexico were captured, tortured and killed, Fr. Pro begged his superiors to allow him to stay in Mexico.

He was called "God's clown" because he had a terrific sense of humor and he could mimic anyone. This gift made him a favorite. He fooled the police many times with his disguises, sometimes as a beggar, a policeman, a clown or an ordinary business man. He was also known for the long periods he spent in the chapel. He became very ill with ulcers and had to have three operations. He made a trip to Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl, Bernadette, in the year 1858. Countless healings occurred in the grotto where she appeared. Miguel did not get healed physically, but he had a profound religious experience there and counted the day of his visit the happiest in his life. He said these words after his visit:

"I was at the feet of my Mother and fell deeply in love with her. Within myself I felt her blessed presence - I spoke to her and prayed to her."

He was betrayed after saying a secret Mass at which a traitor was present. As a result, he faced a firing squad in Mexico in1927. Before death he was asked if he had any last words. With arms outstretched in imitation of Jesus he faced his executioners with a rosary in one hand and a crucifix in the other, praying:

"May God have mercy on you! With all my heart I forgive my enemies! Long live Christ the King!"

Officials ordered many pictures taken of the execution because they thought the sight of the pictures would scare others but it had the opposite effect. Everyone wanted a picture until the government finally made it a crime to own a picture of Fr. Pro's execution.

But what does all this have to do with us? We probably won't ever face a firing squad. Most of us will continue our daily jobs; fathers will work hard to provide a decent living, mothers will do endless household chores, cleaning, washing, cooking, etc. Some will endure chronic illness, live with a rebellious teenager or an ungrateful spouse. This is called the "white" martyrdom of daily life.

We don't wake up one morning and just become a martyr but I believe deep inside of each one of us there is the soul of a martyr, one who wants to live and die for Christ. It comes from a deep love for the Lord Jesus and a longing to imitate Him in our daily life. Whether we are called to be a "white or red" martyr - all are called to witness publicly, as Jesus Himself teaches:

"Do not be afraid. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father." (Matt 10:31-32)

God loves you!
Sister Francelle