Toribio Romo González
Toribio Romo González was a Mexican Catholic priest and martyr killed during the Cristero War. He is venerated for his ministry to the poor and his reported miraculous appearances to migrants. Canonized by Pope John Paul II, he is popularly known as Saint Toribio Romo.
- Feast Day
- May 21
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Mexico
Key Facts
- ›Toribio Romo González was born on April 16, 1900, in Jalisco, Mexico.
- ›He was ordained a priest at the young age of twenty-two.
- ›His ministry focused on catechesis for the poor and the centrality of the Eucharist.
- ›He was forced into an itinerant lifestyle due to anti-clerical persecutions during the Cristero War.
- ›He was killed on February 25, 1928, by government troops.
- ›He was beatified in 1992 and canonized in 2000.
Saint Toribio Romo
About Toribio Romo González
Toribio Romo González, commonly known as Saint Toribio Romo, was a Mexican Catholic priest and martyr. He lived from April 16, 1900, to February 25, 1928, and was killed during the anti-clerical persecutions of the Cristero War.
Life and Ministry
Born in Santa Ana de Guadalupe, Jalisco, Mexico, to farmers Juana González Romo and Patricio Romo Pérez, Toribio entered the Auxiliary Seminary of San Juan de los Lagos at age thirteen in 1912. He later transferred to the Major Diocesan Seminary of Guadalajara in 1920. He was ordained a priest on December 23, 1922, at the age of twenty-two. His ministry was marked by a strong emphasis on catechesis for the poor and the importance of the Eucharist. He served in parishes in Sayula, Tuxpan, Yahualica, and Cuquío, all within his native state of Jalisco.
Following a revolt in Cuquío in November 1926, Toribio was forced to adopt an itinerant lifestyle with Justino Orona. He eventually found refuge in the rural settlement of Agua Caliente, near Tequila, where he continued his priestly duties secretly from an abandoned distillery and by making night visits to parishioners.
Death and Veneration
Toribio Romo González was killed on February 25, 1928. Government troops arrived at his residence and fatally shot him. His sister was present at the time of his death, crying out "Courage, Father Toribio...merciful Christ, receive him! Long live Christ the King!"
He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1992, and later canonized by the same Pope on May 21, 2000, along with other martyrs of the Cristero War. His feast day is May 21.
Legacy
Saint Toribio Romo is popularly venerated in Mexico and among Mexican immigrants. He is particularly invoked by migrants facing difficulties while crossing the Mexico–United States border, with many reporting miraculous appearances of the saint assisting them in distress. The Saint Toribio Romo Fund, named in his honor, supports the work of Catholic Charities' immigration services in the Diocese of Monterey.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Toribio Romo González?
Toribio Romo González was a Mexican Catholic priest who lived from 1900 to 1928. He is known as Saint Toribio Romo and was martyred during the Cristero War.
Why is Toribio Romo González considered a saint?
He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 along with other martyrs of the Cristero War. He is particularly venerated for his reported miraculous appearances to migrants.
When is the feast day of Saint Toribio Romo?
The feast day of Saint Toribio Romo is May 21.
What was Toribio Romo's ministry like?
Toribio's priesthood was characterized by a strong emphasis on teaching the poor and the importance of the Eucharist. He served in several parishes in Jalisco, Mexico.
How did Toribio Romo die?
He was killed by government troops on February 25, 1928, at his hiding place in Agua Caliente. He was shot while in bed.
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