In a significant event between Hidalgo and Oaxaca, the 66th Legislature of Hidalgo approved the removal of the urn containing the fragments of the garments of Priest Manuel Sabino Crespo Callejas y Ulloa, a hero of national independence. This urn will be returned to the state of Oaxaca, his homeland, in a gesture of honor and memory for one of Oaxaca’s first Beneméritos.
RESTORATION OF SABINO CRESPO’S RELICS
The decision was made in a session attended by Oaxacan representatives in the local Congress, highlighting the importance of the event. During the session, legislator Marco Antonio Mendoza, a colleague from Oaxaca, was responsible for commemorating the life and legacy of the insurgent, who was executed by firing squad in Apan, Hidalgo, on October 19, 1814.
Mendoza, of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), highlighted the bravery of Sabino Crespo, who joined the insurgent movement in 1812 during the capture of Oaxaca by José María Morelos.
The urn containing the fragments of Sabino Crespo’s clothing, registered with inventory number 2131130001, has been preserved for more than 200 years in the Historical Archive of the Congress of Hidalgo.
Due to its great historical value, the unanimous decision was made to remove it and return it to Oaxaca, the birthplace of the hero.
AN ACT OF BROTHERHOOD AND HISTORICAL DISSEMINATION
The agreement not only contemplates the restitution of the relics, but also an act of brotherhood and cooperation between the Congresses of Oaxaca and Hidalgo, with the goal of disseminating the historical legacy of both states. Within the framework of this agreement, the publication of books on historical events relevant to both states will be promoted.
In addition, the President of the Governing Board of the Congress of Hidalgo was authorized to make the necessary arrangements to coordinate with the Executive Branch of Oaxaca the date of the transfer of the relics, as well as a formal ceremony of receipt that will mark a solemn moment in Mexico’s historical memory.
THE STORY OF SABINO CRESPO
Sabino Crespo, who joined the insurgent movement after the capture of Oaxaca by José María Morelos in 1812, played a key role in the events of the independence.
In September 1813, he was a substitute deputy in the Congress of Anáhuac, representing the province of Oaxaca. However, his life ended tragically on October 19, 1814, when he was shot in Apan, Hidalgo, while fighting for independence.
Over the years, fragments of his garments were carefully preserved until a ceremonial event was held in 1950 in which the remains were returned to Oaxaca, his home state. The decision made in 2025 by the Congress of Hidalgo to return these relics to Oaxaca is an act that reflects recognition and respect for Sabino Crespo’s sacrifice, and a reminder of the importance of preserving the historical legacy that contributed to forging Mexico’s independence.
A GESTURE THAT HONORS HISTORY
The return of the fragments of Sabino Crespo’s clothing is not only an act of historical justice, but also a symbol of the unity between the states of Oaxaca and Hidalgo, which have shared a rich insurgent heritage. This event highlights the importance of remembering and honoring our national heroes and strengthens the commitment of new generations to the values of freedom and justice that marked the course of Mexico’s independence.
DELIVERY POSSIBLE IN MAY
The return of the urn containing some of the clothing, such as a pair of shoes belonging to the priest who fought alongside José María Morelos y Pavón.
The official delivery of the urn is expected to take place in May, in a solemn session in the municipality of Ejutla, Oaxaca, where Manuel Sabino Crespo Callejas was born, with authorities from both states.
Source: imparcialoaxaca
