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1898-1929
Manuel was a seminarian in Durango, but left to help support
his impoverished family; remained a lifelong layman. Married with
three children. Secretary of the publication Leon XIII. Secretary
of the Circle of Catholic Workers. Member of Catholic Action (ACJM).
President of the National League for the Defense of Religious
Liberty (LNDLR).
On 29 July 1929, a LNDLR meeting drew a crowd of over 500. Morales
spoke, emphasizing the peaceful, non-political aims and methods
of the group. A few days later a group of soldiers gathered up
the LNDLR officers, and announced they were taking them to the
state capital to explain their position. After leaving town, the
soldiers stopped the cars and accused them of plotting armed revolt
against the government. Manuel was offered freedom if he would
acknowledge the legitimacy of Manuel Calle's anti-religious government;
he declined. Martyred with Saint Luis Batiz, Saint David Roldan,
and Saint Salvador Lara. One of the Martyrs of the Cristera War.
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