March 10: Blessed Elia del Soccorso Nieves, Augustinian Martyr
Killed out of hatred for the priesthood
Matteo Elia Nieves was born in Yuriria, Guanajuato, Mexico, on September 21, 1882. The son of humble farmers, he soon felt a vocation to the priesthood. Sadly, at the age of 12 his father was killed and he had to abandon his studies in order to support his family.
In 1903, he managed to enter the Augustinian college of Yuriria, despite having no financial resources and suffering from fragile health.
In 1911, when he professed his religious vows, he changed his name to Elia del Soccorso in honor of the Virgin Mary. He was ordained a priest on April 19, 1916. In 1921, he was appointed to lead the parish of La Cañada de Caracheo, where he encountered widespread poverty, not only material but also spiritual. Despite having very limited financial means, he worked to meet the needs of the people, who suffered from the lack of healthcare services and schools.
When persecution against Christians broke out — reaching its peak between 1926 and 1929 — Elia chose to remain close to his faithful and care for their spiritual needs rather than obey unjust laws. Thus, when the government, in its attempt to suppress the Church, ordered priests to leave rural areas and remain in cities, Father Elia hid in a cave so he could stay near his parishioners.
He remained in hiding for 14 months, administering the sacraments and preaching in secret, until he encountered a group of soldiers who noticed that beneath his peasant clothing he wore the garments he used at night to administer the sacraments.
He was stopped, questioned, and arrested, as he did not deny being a priest. Two farmers who were accompanying him were arrested with him. On the morning of March 10, 1928, soldiers and prisoners set out toward the small town of Cortázar. At the first stop, the two farmers were executed; closer to the town, Father Elia was killed by firing squad. Before dying, he blessed the soldiers and began reciting the Creed. His last words were: “Viva Cristo Re.”
His remains rest in the parish church of La Cañada. He was beatified by Saint John Paul II on October 12, 1997.