CALOCA CORTÉS, AGUSTÍN, ST.

Martyr, priest; b. May 5, 1898, La Presa Ranch, San Juan Bautista del Teúl, Zacatecas, Archdiocese of Guadalajara, Mexico; d. May 25, 1927, Colotitlán, Jalisco, Diocese of Zacatecas. After revolutionaries seized the seminary in Guadalajara, he retreated to his home, then resumed his studies in a minor seminary directed by Fr. magallanes. In 1919, he returned to the one at Guadalajara and was ordained (Aug. 15, 1923). He served as priest of the parish of Totatiche, Jalisco, as well as prefect of its minor seminary. He was also responsible for the surrounding ranches, founded catechetical centers, and organized a weekly social. He was arrested while helping his seminarians to escape and imprisoned with Magallanes at Totatiche. Because of his youth, he was offered his liberty, but he refused unless Magallanes was also released. General Goñi had him transferred to Colotitlán, where the prisoners were lined up against the wall for execution. His body was transferred to the parish church of Totalice (1933). In April 1952, his remains were translated to the parish of San Juan Bautista de Teúl. Fr. Caloca was both beatified (Nov. 22, 1992) and canonized (May 21, 2000) with Cristobal magallanes [see mexico, mar tyrs of, ss.] by Pope John Paul II.

Feast: May 25 (Mexico).

Bibliography: j. cardoso, Los mártires mexicanos (Mexico City 1953). j. dÍaz estrella, El movimiento cristero: sociedad y conflicto en los Altos de Jalisco (Mexico City 1979). v. garcÍa juÁrez, Los cristeros (Fresnillo, Zac. 1990).

[k. i. rabenstein]