Summary
Javier Pablo Olivera Ravasi, an ordained Catholic priest in Mexico, authored a comprehensive book titled “La Contrarrevolución cristera” after discussing the Cristero War with fellow Catholics in 1997. The war lasted from 1926 to 1929 and was fought between militant Catholics who defended their faith against anti-Catholic measures implemented by President Plutarco Elias Calles. In June 1926, Calles signed the Law Reforming the Penal Code (Calles Law), which prohibited the Church’s possession of real estate and enforced strict anti-clerical provisions in the Political Constitution of Mexico. Catholic bishops ordered priests to withdraw from churches starting July 31, 1926, leading to spontaneous resistance by faithful members who fought against regime-controlled religious institutions. The book provides a detailed account of the three-year conflict, including battles, arrests, executions, and instances of selfless courage. Ravasi emphasizes that these Cristeros were archetypes of heroic figures in Mexican history, with one of their most famous rallying cries being “Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long Live Christ the King). The book was originally published in Spanish but has since been translated into English by Os Justi Press.
Key Topics
Cristero War, Calles Law, Catholic bishops
