May 21, 2025

Dear Friend,

“Viva Cristo Rey!” Long live Christ the King—especially in an age that exalts distraction, division, and doubt. We live in a time where attention is currency and everything competes for our hearts. In the chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of what (and who) truly matters. That’s why at Franciscan Media, we’re creating digital spaces that invite people to refocus—not through guilt, but through grace. To see Christ again. To follow Him, even here.

If I’m honest, I’m no stranger to distraction. Someone once suggested that my personal prayer be, "God help me be—HEY, LOOK A BIRD—less distracted." I understand how easy it is to fill our time with everything but prayer. But Christ still calls—through beauty, through silence, through surprising corners of the internet. That’s why we’re here. St. Francis said, “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” We want to be a peaceful presence in the digital swirl—a reminder that Christ reigns, and you are still His. Please support our mission and help us bring that peace to more people.

Blessings, 

Ela Milewska

Digital Evangelization Strategist

Saint of the Day for May 21:

Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions

(July 30, 1869-May 25, 1927; Companions d. between 1915 and 1937)

Listen to Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions’ Story Here

Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, SJ, 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. He 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. They all 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 had made it a crime to receive baptism or celebrate the Mass.

These martyrs did not die as a single group but over 22 years time in eight Mexican states, with Jalisco and Zacatecas having the largest number. They were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. 

Reflection

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.