DELA CRUZ, DARREN S.

02/27/20
BSME – II 18:30 – 19:30 TThS

1. Why did President Calles and the government pursued the church and started an armed conflict?
First, President Calles waged a war against the Catholics because he aims to be at the top and the most
powerful. Second, the church is a hindrance for his venture, and the only choice he could take to resolve this
issue is war against them. Knowing that the church consists of priests, sisters, and common people, he
underestimated them and took advantage of it. And, winning against the church means winning the trust over
other states or countries and recognizing his power as a ruler. But the greatest factor of his decision is that he
doesn’t have faith in a supreme being.
2. Why did Jose and Lalo joined the Cristero army?
Jose and Lalo joined the Cristero army because they have faith in God. Jose, despite being a child of a
prestigious and influential person in their state, fought for the freedom of his beliefs. His beliefs were
influenced by Padre Cristopher who introduced him the existence of God and his Son. The priest whom he
looked up to was killed in front of his naked eyes, raging his heart, thus, becoming one of the rebels. Lalo was
influenced to join the Cristero because he also believes what Jose believes and by the looks of it, they are best
friends.
3. In your own opinion, is it proper for the Padre (General) Vega to join the war even as a priest?
Yes, it is. Padre (General) Vega’s decision cannot be questioned by others. He is his own self. Joining
the war means his resolve is so great that his status is not the defining reason to be or not to be in the said war.
He is a man outside and a priest inside.
4. Is your faith is as strong as Jose’s faith that you are willing to suffer and die for it?
Yes. But under real circumstances, I don’t know if I can be as strong and selfless as him. Telling lies is
easy but forgiving thyself from those lies is more difficult. I think I still need to learn and understand more
about the word of God in order for me to be as strong as Jose. Facing my own death, I don’t think that I’m ready
for it.
5. What missionary characteristic do you think did Padre Cristopher highlighted until the end of his life?
He accepts everyone, no matter what kind of person he was faced against to.
He believes that anyone can change through Jesus Christ, just like Jose did.
His kindness and belief are very influential that many men followed him, from influencing Jose to
converting the atheist General Gorostieta into Catholic.
He is the faithful servant, a real man of God.
In the face of his death, he accepted his own fate while holding his own faith.