Homily Sixth Thursday in Easter 2020 Feast of St. Cristobal Magallanes
Homily Sixth Thursday in Easter
May 21, 2020 (Feast of St. Cristobal Magallanes)
St. Cristobal is one of the Saints of the Americas. He was canonized in the year 2000. Many of us are probably not familiar with him, but it is good to know our American saints.
Cristóbal Magallanes was born in Totatiche, Mexico in 1869. He was ordained a priest in 1899. He functioned as a priest in his hometown many years. He tried to make life there better for all the residents. He started schools and was involved in promoting public works. His parishioners were poor, and he tried to offer them education and opportunity.
In the 1920’s the government of Mexico persecuted the church because of the Christo revolution. The Christo’s tried to fight the government so that they might have greater freedom. Part of their motivation was their religious faith, so the church was accused of encouraging the revolution even though the official position of the church was to try and maintain neutrality.
Seminaries were closed in the middle of the revolution so St. Cristóbal started a clandestine seminary in his parish. 17 seminarians were educated there in secret. Cristóbal knew he was risking his life by being involved in such activity.
In December of 1926 St. Cristobal was on his way to say Mass at farm near his town and he was arrested and accused of aiding the revolution. He had no trial but was immediately slated for execution.
Before he died Cristobal gave his few possessions to his executioners. He also gave those who killed him the absolution of the church. He died a martyr for the church dying as Jesus did forgiving his enemies.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have I ever heard of St. Cristobal? Often, we hear about how priests fail in their ministry? Why are those stories more interesting than the bravery of a man like Cristobal Magallanes?
2. Many Catholics were martyred for the faith in Mexico? Does that explain why the faith is so strong in Mexico? Would faith be more valued in our society if we could point to some United States martyrs? Our present difficulties in worshipping seem trivial compared to the persecutions some have endured.
Dear Parishioners,
This Saturday we will be having confessions in the church for the first time since the pandemic began, but we can only allow ten people in the church at a time. I would ask that you wait outside in your car in the parking lot and someone will tell you when to go into the East door of the church. We will use the regular confessional. Penitents will spread out in the pews at appropriate distance and wait for Reconciliation. We will start at 1 p.m. and will have confessions for an hour. Please spread the word.
Remember that we will be having the rosary tomorrow at 7:40. Bob and Sandy Madison will be leading us in prayer.
Please remember that when you come for Holy Communion enter off 17th avenue and leave by way of 13th street. This keeps the traffic flowing. Thanks for being so cooperative.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over us today.
Fr. Mark