May 21, About Today for Friday of the 7th week of Easter

Cristóbal Magallanes Jara, See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

May 21

Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest and Companions, Martyrs

Saint Christopher (1869 – 1927) (also known as Saint Cristóbal Magallanes Jara) was a parish priest in his hometown of Totatiche, Jalisco, Mexico. On fire to capture the hearts of the local Huichol peoples, Saint Christopher opened schools, trade shops, and helped organize the town water supply.

In 1917, Mexico edited its constitution and included anti-clerical language. A massive uprising ensued resulting in the Cristero War. Saint Christopher remained faithful during this turbulent time and, along with 21 other priests and three laymen, was killed for continuing to minister in the rural communities. These Cristero martyrs were canonized in 2000. [1][2]