In the time when St. Cristobal Magallanes and his 24 fellow martyrs lived, in the early 20th century, Mexico suffered under an oppressive and anti-Catholic regime. Churches, Catholic schools, and seminaries were closed, and in some places, Catholics were forbidden from celebrating Mass. Cristobal was a priest, as were 21 of the other companions. Cristobal and his companions were martyred for their membership in the Cristero movement in Mexico.
This movement rebelled against the Mexican constitution of 1917, which some said was state-imposed atheism. The Cristero War ended after the government acquiesced to some of the Church’s demands.
Cristobal’s last words to his executioners were, “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.”
These 25 saints were canonized by John Paul II on May 21, 2000. Their feast is celebrated on May 21.
