Wednesday, May 21, 2008

St. Christopher Magallanes and the Cristeros of Mexico

Today is the feast of Christopher Magallanes, priest, and companions, martyrs.

St. Christopher Magallanes was joined in martyrdom by twenty-one diocesan priests and three devout laymen, all members of the Cristeros movement, who rose up in rebellion against the anti-Catholic Mexican government during the 1920s. Having erected a seminary at Totatiche, he secretly spread the Gospel and ministered to the people. Captured by government authorities, he was heard to shout from his jail cell: "I am innocent and I die innocent. I forgive with all my heart those responsible for my death, and I ask God that the shedding of my blood serve the peace of our divided Mexico."

The Cristero War of 1926 to 1929 was an uprising against the anti-Catholic Mexican government of the time, set off specifically by the anti-clerical provisions of the Mexican Constitution of 1917.

After a period of peaceful resistance, a number of skirmishes took place in 1926. The formal rebellions began on January 1, 1927 with the rebels calling themselves Cristeros because they felt they were fighting for Christ himself.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Blessed Trinity-protect and guide this soldier for you. When his life on earth has ended, send your angels to carry him to you where he can behold you face to face.
Help us to lift the guidon when it falls and continue the good fight. Long Live Christ the King. Amen