St. Román Adame Rosales

Román Adame Rosales was born on February 27, 1859. He studied for the priesthood in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and was ordained on November 30, 1890.

He worked in various parishes, showing a profound dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to catechesis, directing spiritual exercises, and parish schools. He founded the association "Daughters of Mary and Nocturnal Adoration," and built numerous chapels on the ranches. When government persecutions of religion began and the Calles Law forced the closing of the churches, Román took his ministry underground in private houses. On April 18, 1927, while conducting a Lenten service at Rancho Veladones, Román was betrayed and arrested the next day. He was captured by government forces and underwent torture. Roman was first jailed at Mexticacan, Mexico, then was forced to walk miles to Yahualica. While there, he spent several days tied up, without food and water.

Several local lay people offered to buy Father Román's freedom from Colonel Quinones. Quinones demanded a $6,000 bribe, but instead of releasing Roman, he pocketed the money and ordered Father Roman to be executed anyway. On April 21, 1927, Román was taken to an open grave, where he was executed by firing squad. His remains were later disinterred and brought to Nochistlán.

St. Román Adame Rosales was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1992 and canonized on May 21, 2000. He is remembered on April 21.