May 21 is the feast of St. Christopher Magallanes Jara and his twenty-four companion martyrs of the Mexican Cristero War, killed between 1915 and 1937. Christopher Magallanes was a parish priest of Tototitlán, in Jalisco, who built a seminary in defiance of the anti-clerical laws of the Mexican government. He was arrested on May 25, 1927, while on his way to celebrate Mass at a ranch, and shot the next day without trial.
The twenty-five martyrs — twenty-two priests and three laymen — were killed in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Puebla, during the period of the Calles laws and the Cristero War (1926-1929). Their last words, recorded by the executioners, were "Viva Cristo Rey" — "Long live Christ the King" — the battle cry of the Cristeros. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.
From Guadalajara, where Christopher was parish priest, to Guanajuato, where the giant Cristo Rey monument marks the heart of the Cristero country, the May 21 feast is the feast of the Mexican priests and laymen who died for the freedom of the Church.
Connected Destinations
Guadalajara
Mexico · North America
Guadalajara stands as a major Catholic pilgrimage center, home to the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and millions of faithful visitors annually.
Guanajuato (Cristo Rey)
Mexico · North America
The Cristo Rey sanctuary on Cerro del Cubilete is one of Mexico's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, commemorating the Cristero War martyrs.
Puebla
Mexico · North America
Puebla houses the magnificent Rosary Chapel, considered the crown jewel of Mexican Baroque architecture, drawing countless Catholic pilgrims annually.