Saint Toribio Romo González

Biography

Saint Toribio Romo González, also known as Turibio, was born on April 16, 1900, in Santa Ana de Guadalupe, Jalostotitlán parish, within the San Juan de los Lagos diocese in Jalisco, Mexico. He was ordained as a priest at the young age of 21, and this required a special dispensation from the Vatican due to his tender age. Despite his youth, he displayed exceptional dedication and commitment to his vocation. As a priest, Saint Toribio served as the parish priest in Tequila, Jalisco, which falls under the archdiocese of Guadalajara in Mexico. Later, he went on to become the parish priest in Agua Caliente, Mexico. Throughout his ministry, he was known for his unwavering devotion to the Eucharist. His strong faith and piety left a lasting impression on those who came into contact with him. Tragically, during the Mexican Revolution, Saint Toribio Romo González fell victim to the violent persecution against Catholic priests. The revolutionaries targeted him for his faith and priesthood. On Saturday, February 25, 1928, around 5 am, he was shot in the back within his rectory in Agua Caliente, Jalisco, Mexico. This act of martyrdom sealed his place among the Martyrs of the Cristero Wars, a group of courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives for their religious beliefs. Saint Toribio's relics are venerated at the Santa Ana de Guadalupe Church in Jalisco, where he was born. Pope John Paul II recognized his martyrdom and decreed his veneration on March 7, 1992. Later that year, on November 22, 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified Saint Toribio, acknowledging his exemplary life of faith and martyrdom. Although Saint Toribio Romo González has not been canonized, he is acknowledged for his patronage of immigrants. His life serves as a testament to the unfaltering faith and dedication of Catholic priests, even in the face of persecution and adversity. Overall, Saint Toribio Romo González's life exemplifies his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his ultimate sacrifice as a martyr of the Mexican Revolution. His story continues to inspire and encourage believers around the world, particularly those facing challenges to their faith.