Moisés Lira beatified in Mexico as protector of life

Moisés Lira, born in Puebla in September 1893, faced early hardships with the loss of his mother and the absence of his father. He became the first novice of a congregation established by French priest Félix de Jesús Rougier in 1914 and was ordained in 1922. Lira dedicated his life to teaching catechists, caring for the ill, and providing spiritual support to vulnerable communities, embodying his motto: 'It is necessary to be very small to be a great saint.' The miracle attributed to Lira occurred between May and June 2004, when a pregnant woman from Guanajuato received alarming news about her unborn daughter’s health. After discovering Lira’s work, she prayed for his intercession, and remarkably, her daughter was born healthy, leading to the belief that Lira’s intercession played a crucial role in this outcome. This event was recognized by Mother María de la Luz Nava, who emphasized the power of faith in producing miracles. Following his beatification, Lira is now regarded as a protector of life from conception, with Catholic leaders expressing hope for a second miracle to facilitate his canonization. David Padrón, involved in the canonization process, stated that Lira has been included among the saints of the Archdiocese of Mexico, with aspirations for global recognition upon canonization. Plans are underway to distribute first-class relics of Lira to significant parishes, including Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Basilica and Puebla’s cathedral, further solidifying his legacy within the Catholic community in Mexico and beyond.