S. Christopher Magallanes and Companions| Daily Meditation| Daily Quote by S. Padre Pio| Divine Mercy Reflection
St. Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions
(d. 1915-1928)
Ordinary Time
Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, S.J., Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico, one determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Cristóbal established a clandestine seminary at Totatiche, Jalisco. Magallanes and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28).
All of these martyrs except three were diocesan priests. David, Manuel and Salvador were laymen who died with their parish priest, Luis Batis. All of these martyrs belonged to the Cristero movement, pledging their allegiance to Christ and to the Church that he established to spread the Good News in society—even if Mexico's leaders once made it a crime to receive Baptism or celebrate the Mass.
These martyrs did not die as a single group but in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.
Comment:
Every martyr realizes how to avoid execution but refuses to pay the high price of doing so. A clear conscience was more valuable than a long life. We may be tempted to compromise our faith while telling ourselves that we are simply being realistic, dealing with situations as we find them. Is survival really the ultimate value? Do our concrete, daily choices reflect our deepest values, the ones that allow us to “tick” the way we do? Anyone can imagine situations in which being a follower of Jesus is easier than the present situation. Saints remind us that our daily choices, especially in adverse circumstances, form the pattern of our lives.
Quote:
During his homily at the canonization Mass on May 21, 2000, Blessed John Paul II addressed the Mexican men, women and children present in Rome and said: “After the harsh trials that the Church endured in Mexico during those turbulent years, today Mexican Christians, encouraged by the witness of these witnesses to the faith, can live in peace and harmony, contributing the wealth of gospel values to society. The Church grows and advances, since she is the crucible in which many priestly and religious vocations are born, where families are formed according to God's plan, and where young people, a substantial part of the Mexican population, can grow with the hope of a better future. May the shining example of Cristóbal Magallanes and his companion martyrs help you to make a renewed commitment of fidelity to God, which can continue to transform Mexican society so that justice, fraternity and harmony will prevail among all.”
Daily Meditation
Welcome Silence:
Most of us are very uncomfortable with silence. But you must have some quiet in your life in order to be attuned to what the Holy Spirit is doing and to be able to recognize God's voice when He speaks to you. Get comfortable with silence and start to pray, because it can change your life.
Quote by S. Padre Pio:
Refrain from judging anyone whomsoever, except when it is your duty to do so.
Divine Mercy Reflection
Reflections on Notebook Two: 112-188
We now enter into Notebook Two of the six notebooks that make up the Diary of Saint Faustina. The reason for having more than one notebook is simply that when one notebook was filled by Saint Faustina she began with a new one. Therefore, there is nothing particularly different from one notebook to the other. However, for the purpose of this current book of daily reflections, each reflection will begin to be lengthened, starting here with Notebook Two, so as to help you, the reader, enter more deeply into the beautiful mysteries of faith and our shared spiritual life that have been revealed in these writings of Saint Faustina.
You are invited once again to take one reflection each day and to ponder it throughout the day. Try to pray the prayer for each reflection each morning, noon and evening. Allow each mystery reflected upon to become a source of wisdom and understanding for you.
Reflection 141: The Mercy of the Angels
Only in Heaven will we understand the gift of the angelic hosts. These magnificent spiritual beings were created by God out of love. Some were created for the sole purpose of eternal worship and adoration of the Most Holy Trinity. They never tire of this calling and worship God with an ever deepening love and communion. Other angelic beings were created to bring the love and Mercy of God to us. The Guardian Angels and Archangels are two such creations that are constantly interceding for us, protecting us and guiding us into the Will of God. Our knowledge of them is not necessary for their continued attentiveness to our love and care. But humbly acknowledging their mediation and calling upon them is an act of pure faith and trust in God. They are here with us and we must call on them, trust in them, hope in them and love them. Doing so is the Will of God and an acknowledgment of one central way through which He pours forth His Divine Mercy (See Diary #706).
Do you call on the angels to come to your aid? Do you pray to your guardian angel and St. Michael the Archangel, in particular? We must trust in their powerful mediation and sacred ability to guard and protect us in accord with the Mind and Will of God. Speak to these angels today, and allow yourself to become more fully consecrated to their care.
Lord, I thank You for the gift of the holy angels. I thank You for Sts. Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, my guardian angel and for the whole host of Heaven. I pray that I will continually be open to the workings of these angelic beings in my life. Through their mediation, keep me safe from all evil and direct me in accord with Your holy Will. Jesus, I trust in You.
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