Two priests from Jalisco, Mexico, responded to the fear sparked by the recent wave of violence shaking Mexico with a Eucharistic blessing, following the death of drug trafficking leader Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
On Sunday, February 22, Father Ricardo López Díaz, parish priest of Holy Cross Church in El Salto, Jalisco, climbed to the top of his church’s bell tower and went live on Facebook after it became impossible to celebrate Sunday Mass due to the serious security situation.
“We are broadcasting live right now because we cannot celebrate the Eucharist: everyone is holed up in their homes, sheltering from imminent danger,” he explained. “Today is Sunday, the Lord’s Day—a day to go to Mass, to go out, to share, to take a walk. But today there is a tense calm everywhere, because people are afraid—and with good reason. We already know that you don’t trifle with organized crime, which has now been dealt a very hard blow.”
As he showed plumes of smoke rising over empty streets, he used a vivid image to describe the situation:
“The hornets’ nest is in an uproar. Look over there, on that corner: I see wasps stirred up, just like the criminals are right now. Truly, the devil is thrashing about like a drowning man, because he knows he can no longer win.”
From the top of the tower, he pointed out a panoramic view of El Salto, Juanacatlán, El Castillo, El Verde, and La Saucera, explaining the reason for his gesture:
“That’s why I wanted to come up here and give you my blessing; let the bells ring. Don’t confuse them with a call to Mass—they are not calling you to Mass. They are a call to return to God with all your heart.”
He also recalled God’s promise to His people: “If my people humble themselves and return to me with all their heart,” says the Lord, “I will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
“How much we need this! How much we need this promise to be renewed today more than ever, and for our hearts to turn back to God!”
Rooftop Blessing With the Blessed Sacrament
Minutes later, Father Pedro ascended to the rooftop carrying a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament. Together, while singing the hymn “You Shall Reign,” they imparted a blessing in the four cardinal directions, entrusting the entire region to the Lord.
“Lord Jesus, we have brought You here, to the highest place, so that all who are drawn to You may find salvation. Lord, today we raise our cry to You, asking for peace in our community and an end to the violence. We could not go out to celebrate the Eucharist as we do every Sunday, but You, Lord, never forget us.”
The priests also entrusted Mexico in a special way to the Virgin of Guadalupe:
“Protect your children and bless them. In you we trust, Holy Mary. Protect your people. Holy Mary of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico, preserve our faith and save our homeland.”
During the broadcast, Father Ricardo invited families to light a candle and receive the blessing from their homes, transforming their houses into small places of prayer amid the danger.
“This is not a time for anxiety, but for prayer.”
Before concluding, he reminded viewers that such moments should not lead to despair, but to deeper faith:
“Remember: these are not times to be anxious, but rather to pray fervently.”
He then repeated the historic cry of faith of the Mexican Catholic people:
“Long live Christ the King! Long live Christ our King! May His law reign triumphant everywhere. Long live Christ the King!”
In closing, he once again placed his community and the entire country in God’s hands:
“Protect, Lord, this town of El Salto. Protect the state of Jalisco. Save our Mexican nation, for Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Lord.”
The video has resonated deeply on social media and is approaching one million views.
Numerous faithful expressed gratitude, saying they felt “supported and blessed from home,” and that the broadcast brought them peace and hope amid the chaos.
Why Did the Violence Break Out in Mexico?
On February 22, 2026, Mexican armed forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation followed months of joint intelligence efforts between Mexico and the United States.
According to international reports, the drug lord was seriously wounded during the confrontation and died while being airlifted to a hospital. His death was described as the most significant blow to drug trafficking in more than a decade.
Following his death, the CJNG unleashed a wave of violence in at least 20 states, particularly in Jalisco and western Mexico, with road blockades, vehicles set on fire, armed attacks, and widespread suspension of activities. Authorities urged residents to shelter in place, leaving several cities virtually paralyzed for hours.