Franchon Royer

Padre Pro Franchon Royer

As a young boy, Miguel Agustin Pro gave no hint that he would someday be revered as a martyr-hero by the people of Mexico. He was a fun-loving practical joker who enjoyed putting on plays and making music for the entertainment of his parents and many brothers and sisters. At 20, he was drawn to the religious life and entered the Society of Jesus. Not long after, Mexico was torn by revolution and upheaval that brought persecution to the Catholic Church and her clergy. Forced to flee, Miguel Pro completed his studies in Spain. He returned to Mexico in 1926, a priest at a time when it meant death or exile to be revealed as one. Disguised in overalls or a chauffeur's uniform, Padre Pro made his unwearied rounds, attending secretly to the spiritual and material needs of his people. With eager glee, he would think up new disguises and escape routes to elude the police who were always on his trail. This gripping story of hide-and-seek played by Padre Pro and his pursuers races to a terrible but glorious climax.