Saint Christopher Magallanes and Companions

Cristóbal Magallanes Jara was born on July 30, 1869, in Totatiche, Jalisco, Mexico, to a farming family. Ordained a priest in 1899, he became pastor of his hometown, where he founded schools and a small seminary, cared for the poor and worked to evangelize the Huichol people. When the government closed churches and seminaries under the anti-religious laws of President Plutarco Elías Calles, he kept ministering in secret, while preaching against armed rebellion.

He was arrested on his way to celebrate Mass and was shot without trial at Colotlán, Zacatecas, on May 25, 1927, after forgiving his executioners; his young assistant, Father Agustín Caloca, died with him. Between 1915 and 1937 many priests and laypeople were killed for the faith in Mexico. Saint John Paul II canonized Christopher Magallanes and 24 companions, 22 priests and 3 young laymen of Catholic Action, on May 21, 2000. Among them is Saint Toribio Romo, today invoked by migrants.

In Mexico their feast is celebrated with special devotion, and shrines such as Santa Ana de Guadalupe, Jalisco, where Saint Toribio Romo is buried, draw many pilgrims. Mexican-American parishes in the United States honor them, and migrants crossing the border pray to Toribio Romo for protection.