In August of 2024 a group of parishioners met to begin to form a committee to establish a shrine to honor the Five Discalced Carmelite Martyrs who at one time served at Santa Cruz Parish.

In the last few weeks, we have heard the short biographies of five Discalced Carmelite Friars who gave their lives for the faith and who had an impact here in Southern Arizona and here in Santa Cruz Parish. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of faith. Through their ministry here and in other parts of the world, they planted the nurtured the seed of faith and brought us to know and love God. As they lived and died for their faith, we are called to live and put into practice what we believe by God's grace.