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Touring martyr relics in Tucson

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Posted 10:42 AM 5/11/2012 : Touring martyr relics in Tucson

TUCSON - It's a rare treat for anyone to see at St. Agustine Cathedral downtown.

They are the surviving mementos of six martyred catholic priests.

The mementos are on tour, brought to Tucson by the Knights of Columbus.

For some of the people who had a chance to see the mementos, it was an emotional experience, especially once they learned the history behind the relics.

The priests were killed during an anti-catholic period in Mexico during the 1920's and 30's.

"This is an actual depiction of what happened in Mexico. This priest did not want to renounce his faith. They gave him three chances to say he's not a believer anymore and he refused to do it so he got shot by the firing squad," said Pedro Najera.

This year's tour of the relics of the Knights of Columbus Mexican martyrs began last month in Houston.

"When they caught him, they beat him brutally, struck him in the head, and killed him by beating him with rifle butts," said Najera.

Visitors who came here to see the relics are reminded that they are not the only ones who have struggled in their lifetime.

"I feel peace and tranquility," said Claudia Oroz.

Oroz came to the cathedral of St. Agustine for the first time to pray for tranquility.

"I have so many problems. I was desperate; I needed to come for peace," said Oroz.

She said learning about these martyrs helped her feel like she's not alone.

"I was very emotional facing the relics and also the Virgin Mary behind me," said Oroz.

The Knights of Columbus who stand guard by the relics said they hope visitors walk away rejuvenated by this experience.

The relics will be at St. Agustine until 8 p.m. Thursday, and Friday, you can see them at St. John the Evangelist Church at 12th and Ajo.

The next stop is California.

For more information head to the Knights of Columbus website: http://www.kofc.org/en//index.html

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