St. Cristobal Magallenes and companions
Friends in Christ, today is the feast of martyrs of Mexico: St. Cristobol Magallanes, and his companions.
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Cristobol, or ‘Christopher,’ was born in Jalisco in 1869. At age 19, he went to the seminary in Guadalajara to study for the priesthood. As a priest, he worked to evangelize the native people, he helped found schools and carpentry shops.
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Then came the anti-Catholic government. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed. It became a crime to receive baptism or to celebrate Mass. Father Cristobol, established a secret seminary at the northern edge of Jalisco. He, along with other priests and laymen operated the seminary secretly during those years. But the members of this courageous group would ultimately be captured. They were either shot or hanged.
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On May 21st Fr. Cristobol was arrested. Four days later, without any trial, he was put to death. Before his death he said: ‘I forgive with all my heart those responsible, and I ask God that the shedding of my blood would serve the peace of Mexico.
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Today is also the feast of St Mateo Correa Magallanes (no relation to St. Cristobol Magallanes). He was ordained at age 27.
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In 1926, Father Mateo was arrested by soldiers for bringing Holy Communion to a sick woman and taken to a prison in Durango. From prison, he sent a letter to his sisters saying: “Now is the time to suffer for Christ Jesus, who died for us.” Also imprisoned there, were members of the Cristeros movement.
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On February 5, General Eulogio Ortiz said to Father Mateo: “You will hear the Confessions of those bandit rebels (the Cristeros), they will be shot quickly; then we’ll see what we do with you.” Father Mateo agreed to hear their Confessions, and in this way he prepared the men well for their death.
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After he was finished, the General said: ‘Now you are going to tell me what those bandits have said in Confession,’ but Father Mateo refused. General Ortiz then pointed a gun at his head and threatened him with immediate death if he did not talk; but he refused, because a Catholic priest may never violate the seal of the Confessional.
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At dawn on February 6, 1927, he was taken to the countryside on the outskirts of Durango and shot through the head. Today, the tomb of St. Mateo Correa is venerated in the Cathedral of Durango.
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– So, great Mexican martyrs today –
