This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color white .
Saint Christopher Magallanes and his 24 Companions were Mexican martyrs, including priests and laymen, who were executed during the Cristero War for defending religious freedom and the Church's autonomy.
Saint Christopher Magallanes and his 24 Companions, comprising 21 priests and 3 laymen, are revered as martyrs who gave their lives between 1926 and 1929 during the Cristero War in Mexico. This period saw severe government persecution against the Church, including restrictions on public worship and clerical activities. Saint Christopher Magallanes, a seminary rector, continued to minister to his flock in secret, while his companions, from various walks of life, similarly refused to renounce their faith or priestly duties, leading to their arrests and executions. Their unwavering commitment to Christ and the Church, even unto death, serves as a profound testament to courage and fidelity, providing an enduring example of steadfastness for Christians facing persecution and inspiring a deeper appreciation for religious freedom and the sanctity of faith.
Saint Christopher Magallanes and his twenty-four Companions represent a profound testament to faith, courage, and the enduring power of religious conviction in the face of brutal persecution. Their lives and martyrdoms unfolded during the tumultuous period of the Cristero War in Mexico (1926-1929), a conflict born from the severe anti-clerical policies of the Mexican government under President Plutarco Elías Calles. These policies, particularly the infamous Calles Law, sought to suppress the Catholic Church, restricting public worship, closing churches, and forbidding religious orders, effectively criminalizing the practice of faith for millions of Mexicans. It was against this backdrop of oppression that these valiant men, comprising 21 priests and 3 laymen, chose fidelity to Christ and His Church over personal safety, ultimately paying the supreme sacrifice.
Christopher Magallanes Jara was born on July 30, 1869, in Totatiche, Jalisco, Mexico, a region deeply rooted in its Catholic identity. From a young age, he displayed a fervent piety and a keen intellect, leading him to enter the seminary of Guadalajara. He was ordained a priest on September 17, 1899. After his ordination, Father Magallanes served as a parish priest in his hometown of Totatiche. He was known for his pastoral zeal, his dedication to the poor, and his efforts in evangelization. He founded a school, built a dam, and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his parishioners, demonstrating a holistic approach to ministry that extended beyond the purely spiritual to encompass social well-being. His commitment to priestly formation was also evident in his role as the rector of the diocesan seminary, which he relocated to his parish when it was closed by the government, ensuring the continued education of future priests.
As the anti-clerical laws intensified in the 1920s, culminating in the enforcement of the Calles Law in 1926, public religious services were suspended throughout Mexico. Priests were forbidden from wearing clerical attire in public, religious education was banned, and many churches were confiscated. The government's aim was to dismantle the Church's influence and control, viewing it as a rival power. In response, many priests, including Father Magallanes, went underground, continuing their ministry in secret, celebrating Mass in private homes, administering the sacraments, and offering spiritual guidance to their beleaguered flocks. This period saw the rise of the Cristeros, Catholic rebels who took up arms to defend their faith, often with the cry "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" (Long Live Christ the King!), a testament to their unwavering devotion.
Among Saint Christopher Magallanes's companions were individuals from diverse backgrounds, each demonstrating extraordinary courage. There were young priests like Father Agustín Caloca Cortés, who served as Father Magallanes's assistant at the clandestine seminary, and older, seasoned pastors who refused to abandon their people. Laymen such as David Roldán Lara, a young man who helped organize Catholic Action groups, and Manuel Morales, a father of three who was a fervent advocate for religious freedom, also stood firm in their faith. These men, knowing the immense risks, continued to preach, baptize, hear confessions, and offer the Eucharist, providing spiritual sustenance to a populace deprived of public worship. Their actions were not acts of rebellion in a political sense, but rather a profound commitment to their priestly vows and Christian duties, prioritizing divine law over unjust human legislation.
Their commitment ultimately led to their arrests and martyrdoms. Saint Christopher Magallanes himself was arrested on May 21, 1927, while on his way to celebrate Mass. Despite attempts to bribe his captors, he was condemned to death without a formal trial. Before his execution by firing squad in Colotlán, Jalisco, he famously forgave his executioners, stating, "I die innocent, and I forgive from the bottom of my heart those who are making this happen." His companions met similar fates, often facing torture and summary executions. Many, like Father Justino Orona and Father Atilano Cruz, were shot in their parishes, while others, like David Roldán and Manuel Morales, were executed for their lay activism. Their final moments were often marked by fervent prayers, expressions of forgiveness, and the defiant shouts of "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" and "¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!" which became the rallying cry of the Cristero movement.
The sacrifice of Saint Christopher Magallanes and his Companions did not go unnoticed by the Church. Their unwavering witness to Christ and their heroic virtue in the face of persecution inspired countless others and laid the groundwork for their eventual recognition as saints. On May 21, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Christopher Magallanes and his 24 Companions in Rome, declaring them saints and universal models of Christian fortitude. Their feast day is celebrated on May 21st, commemorating the day of Saint Christopher Magallanes's martyrdom. Their lives serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of religious freedom. They are not only heroes of the Mexican Church but also universal symbols of fidelity to faith, reminding Christians worldwide of the enduring power of martyrdom to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel, even unto death.
In the shadow of the Cristero War, when the very act of celebrating Mass could mean a death sentence in Mexico, Father Christopher Magallanes remained a shepherd to his scattered flock. The year was 1927, and the oppressive Calles Law had driven priests into hiding, forcing the faithful to gather in secret, often under the cloak of night, for the sacraments. Yet, Father Christopher, a man of profound courage and unwavering priestly zeal, refused to abandon his duties. His resolve was not born of defiance for defiance's sake, but from an burning love for Christ and the souls entrusted to his care.
One fateful day in May, Father Christopher was making his way to a remote ranch, where a small community eagerly awaited the Mass he was to celebrate. He knew the risks; soldiers patrolled the roads, their eyes sharp for any sign of a clandestine priest. But the spiritual hunger of his people outweighed his personal fear. As he traveled, perhaps contemplating the sacrifice of the altar he was soon to re-enact, he was ambushed by government forces. The sudden appearance of armed men shattered the quiet of the morning, and he was quickly apprehended.
His captors, hardened by the conflict, saw not a man of God, but an enemy of the state. They subjected him to interrogation, demanding he renounce his ministry and betray his fellow priests. But Father Christopher stood firm, his gaze clear and his spirit unbroken. He understood the gravity of his situation, the almost certain outcome of his capture. Yet, he met their threats with a quiet dignity that spoke volumes of his faith.
He was led to the execution site in Colotlán, Jalisco, a place that would soon become hallowed ground by his spilled blood. As he faced the firing squad, the air thick with tension and the silent prayers of unseen witnesses, Father Christopher performed his final, most profound act of Christian charity. With a serene expression, he raised his voice, not in anger or protest, but in an act of profound forgiveness. "I die innocent," he declared, his words ringing with truth, "and I forgive from the bottom of my heart those who are making this happen." Then, in a final, resounding cry that echoed the defiance and faith of the Cristero movement, he proclaimed, "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" (Long Live Christ the King!).
His body fell, but his spirit, and the spirit of his companions who would follow him in martyrdom, soared. This act of forgiveness, offered in the face of death, encapsulates the very essence of their faith. It was not merely about resisting an unjust government, but about bearing witness to the love of Christ, even for one's persecutors. Father Christopher Magallanes and his companions, through their final, courageous acts, became enduring beacons of fidelity, reminding generations that true victory lies not in worldly triumph, but in unwavering devotion to God, even unto the ultimate sacrifice.
May 21, 2000
Today, the Church in Mexico and the Universal Church rejoice in the canonization of 25 new Saints, priests and lay people, who shed their blood for Christ and for their faith. Their canonization is a cause for profound joy, but also for serious reflection. The Mexican martyrs of the 20th century, whom we proclaim saints today, invite us to reflect on the nature of Christian faith, which is always lived in relationship to the Church, and on the importance of the witness of charity, even in the face of persecution.
The context in which these martyrs lived was one of severe religious persecution, which culminated in the Cristero War. Faced with the systematic violation of religious freedom and the attempt to suppress the Catholic Church, these men and women responded with courage and fidelity, choosing to remain steadfast in their faith, even if it meant risking their lives. They are a powerful example of how the Gospel can be lived radically, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Among them, we find priests like Cristóbal Magallanes Jara, a zealous pastor who continued to minister to his flock in secret, celebrating the sacraments and teaching the catechism, despite the grave danger. He organized a clandestine seminary to ensure the formation of future priests, demonstrating his foresight and dedication to the Church's future. His final words, "I die innocent, and I forgive from the bottom of my heart those who are making this happen," and his cry of "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" before his execution, are a testament to his profound faith and charity.
His companions, both priests and lay people, shared his commitment and faced similar fates. We remember Father Agustín Caloca Cortés, who served as rector of the clandestine seminary with Father Magallanes; Father David Galván Bermúdez, who was unjustly accused and executed; and the laymen David Roldán Lara and Manuel Morales, who were active in Catholic social organizations and refused to renounce their faith. Each of them, in their own way, bore witness to Christ's love and the enduring truth of the Gospel.
Their martyrdom teaches us that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends (cf. Jn 15:13). These saints did not seek martyrdom, but they accepted it with courage and serenity when it came upon them, because they were deeply convinced of the truth of their faith and the importance of remaining united to Christ and his Church. Their sacrifice reminds us that the Church's strength comes not from worldly power, but from the spiritual vitality of her members and their willingness to bear witness to the Gospel, even to the point of shedding their blood.
Their example is particularly relevant today, as religious freedom continues to be threatened in various parts of the world. The Mexican martyrs invite us to defend this fundamental human right with courage and conviction, and to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith. They also remind us of the importance of forming consciences in the truth, so that believers can discern God's will and act with moral integrity in all circumstances.
May the intercession of Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and his companions strengthen the faith of the Mexican people and inspire all Christians to live their faith with renewed fervor, always ready to give an account of the hope that is within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15), and to proclaim Christ the King, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Liturgical celebration of their feast day in parishes worldwide.
This is the official commemoration of their martyrdom and canonization by the Catholic Church on their designated feast day.
Pilgrimages and local commemorations, including special Masses and processions, at sites historically significant to the Cristero War and the martyrs, particularly in the states of Jalisco and Zacatecas.
These traditions honor the specific locations where the martyrs lived, served, and gave their lives, and where many faithful continue to venerate them in their homeland.
The popular acclamation and devotion of "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" (Long Live Christ the King!) in liturgical and devotional contexts among the faithful.
This was the rallying cry and dying declaration of many Cristero martyrs, including the companions of Saint Christopher Magallanes, symbolizing their ultimate allegiance to Christ's Kingship over earthly powers and becoming a powerful expression of faith and resistance.