St. Bernard Preparatory School welcomed internationally acclaimed pro-life and chastity speaker Patricia Sandoval on Oct. 29. Sandoval shared her moving personal testimony and the inspiring story of St. José Luis Sánchez del Río, a young Mexican martyr whose faith and courage continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.

A native of Mexico, Sandoval brought with her relics of St. José, allowing students and faculty to venerate them. She encouraged everyone to touch their rosaries, prayer cards, or other sacramentals to the relic to create third-class relics. Sandoval also shared how her deep devotion to St. José led her to develop a close friendship with the saint’s relatives and how she believes this divine connection has united them in a mission to share his story and bring hope and healing to people around the world.

Born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, José grew up with a profound love for his Catholic faith and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. During the Cristero War, when the Mexican government outlawed religious practice, José longed to defend his faith. Captured at just 14 years old, he was tortured and ordered to renounce Christ but refused, crying out, “Viva Cristo Rey y Santa Maria de Guadalupe!” before his martyrdom on Feb. 10, 1928.

José was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2016. Today, St. José Luis Sánchez del Río is the patron saint of persecuted Christians, children, and youth, with his feast day celebrated on Feb. 10. His remains rest in the Church of St. James the Apostle in his hometown of Sahuayo.

“Patricia Sandoval’s journey is a gripping testimony to God’s love,” said Headmaster Phuong Nguyen. “Her story—alongside her friendship with the family of St. José—offers our students a powerful message of faith, forgiveness, and divine purpose that continues to transform lives.”

For more information about Patricia Sandoval and her ministry, please visit patriciasandoval.com