Coming soon: "For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada"

Available in June from Ignatius Press:

For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada The Cristero War and Mexico's Struggle for Religious Freedom

by Ruben Quezada

Foreword by Archbishop Jose Gomez

Introduction by Eduardo Verastegui

Many people of faith today are asking, “What is the price of religious liberty?” In the 1920’s many Catholics in Mexico answered this crucial question at the cost of their very lives. The new major motion picture, For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada tells the epic tale of Mexico’s heroic struggle for religious freedom in a little-known conflict called the Cristero War – but many questions still remain. Now you’ll go much deeper into the exciting history behind the movie with this fact-filled companion book – and gain important insight into the on-going fight for religious freedom today.

 As you read you’ll discover:

• Who were the Cristeros?
• What drove the Mexican government to ruthlessly persecute Catholics?
• Can a priest “wage war”
• What role did groups like the Knights of Columbus play in this armed resistance?
• Why did thousands of Catholics - priests, religious, lay people - willingly give their lives in the Cristiada?
• What role did the U.S. play in ending this bitter conflict?
• What did the Pope do to support the Church in Mexico?
• Which characters in the movie went on to become Catholic saints and blesseds in real life?
• Why is this dramatic episode of history so little known today?
• What is the lesson of the Cristiada for those struggling for religious freedom today?

“For Greater Glory is a top-flight production whose message of the 
importance of religious freedom has particular resonance for us today.”
— Most Reverend Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

“For Greater Glory is ‘must-see’ viewing for all those who care about faith and liberty today.”
— Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus

Here is a bit more about the book:

As the true story of Mexico’s Cristero War for religious liberty opens in theaters June 1, Ignatius Press will publish a companion book to this modern cinematic epic that provides historic perspective and important insight into the ongoing fight for religious freedom today.

For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada is the official companion volume to the film of the same name, which stars Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia; Golden Globe winner Eva Longoria; legendary Oscar® winner Peter O’Toole; Eduardo Verástegui; and an international cast.
“I am thrilled to see a book of this type become available so everyone can have a deeper understanding of the authentic history behind the terrible persecution portrayed in For Greater Glory - The True Story of Cristiada,” writes Eduardo Verástegui, who plays Blessed Anacleto Gonzalez Flores in the film. Verástegui contributed an introduction to the book. “I sincerely pray such persecution will never be repeated.”

The 150-page volume, loaded with rare and revealing historical and film photos, is written by Ruben Quezada, a recognized expert on the Cristero War and the Cristiada. English and Spanish editions of the book will be in stores June 15. Quezada is Director for the Catholic Resource Center and St. Joseph Communications, Inc., in Southern California, and has travelled internationally as a bilingual speaker giving presentation on the Cristiada.

“It became clear to us that this book was necessary,” said Ignatius Press President Mark Brumley. “Leaders around the country who have attended pre-release screenings are leaving with tremendous interest in bringing to light the full story of the Cristiada, which is impossible to achieve within the time context of a feature theatrical film.

“Ruben Quezada is one of the foremost experts on this historic fight for religious freedom, and we are thrilled that he has provided such a thorough, thoughtful narrative in this book.”

Read more.