Toribio was ordained a priest in 1922 and served rural parishes in the state of Jalisco during a period of severe anti-Catholic persecution by the Mexican government, when practicing the priesthood publicly was made illegal and many clergy were hunted down and killed. He continued to minister secretly to his people, celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments in hiding.
In 1928, government soldiers located his hideout and shot him in his own rectory. He was one of twenty-five martyrs of this period canonized together by Pope John Paul II in 2000. In the decades since, Toribio has become widely venerated by Mexican migrants, with numerous accounts describing a young priest matching his description appearing to help travelers lost or in danger while crossing the border into the United States, earning him the popular title of patron of migrants.
Saint Toribio Romo González
Priest and Martyr
A young Mexican priest shot dead in his rectory during the Cristero War's anti-Catholic persecution, later becoming a popular intercessor invoked by migrants crossing into the United States.
- Born
- 1900
- Died
- 1928
- Birthplace
- Santa Ana de Guadalupe, Mexico
- Died in
- Tequila, Mexico
- Country
- Mexico
- Canonised
- 2000-05-21
- Century
- 20th century
Why People Pray to Saint Toribio Romo González
Saint Toribio Romo is invoked by migrants and travelers, especially those crossing borders in search of a better life, for safety and guidance.
