St. Toribio Romo Novena – 9 Days of Prayer

For migrants crossing borders, the undocumented, asylum seekers, and all in danger on the journey toward a new life

St. Toribio Romo González was a Mexican priest martyred in 1928 during the Cristero War. Many migrants have reported meeting a young man who helped them in the desert and later recognised Toribio's picture. This novena prays for migrants and those in danger on the journey. His feast is February 25. He was killed in 1928, and his sanctuary in Jalisco draws migrants and families. Many tell of an unexpected helper whose photograph matches his. Pray the novena for safe passage, for those separated from family and for just immigration systems.

Feast of St. Toribio Romo González · February 259 dayssaint

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (February 25) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

St. Toribio Romo Novena – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For All Who Are Crossing — for Safety, for Mercy, and for a New Beginning

Lord Jesus, You fled as a refugee to Egypt with Mary and Joseph. You know what it means to travel in danger, to be unwelcome, to be far from home. Look upon all who are making that same journey today. Through the intercession of Your martyr Toribio, protect them on the road.

Saint Toribio Romo —

You were 28 years old when they killed you
for refusing to stop being a priest.

During the Cristero War,
while others fled,
you stayed in the small towns of Jalisco.
You said Mass in secret.
You heard confessions in hiding.
You served the poor.
And on February 25, 1928,
they found you.
You died with the name of Jesus on your lips.

And then — years later — something strange began to happen.

Migrants crossing the desert began to tell stories
of a young priest in a white cassock
who appeared to them when they were lost,
dehydrated, alone, ready to give up.
He gave them water.
He pointed them toward safety.
He disappeared.

When they described him and saw photographs,
they recognized you.

A poor parish priest from a small Mexican town.
Now the patron of the most vulnerable travelers in the world.

(Pause here to mention your intentions)

Intercede for all who are making the crossing —
across deserts, across seas, across borders.
For those who are undocumented and afraid.
For those who have left everything and are risking everything.
For those separated from their children.
For those whose names we do not know.

You lived in danger because of who you were.
They live in danger because of where they are trying to go.
You understand them.

San Toribio — guide them.
Protect them.
Bring them safely to the other side.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...

Saint Toribio Romo González, Martyr and Friend of Migrants, pray for us.

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Prayer — Diocese of San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico · St. Toribio Romo González (1900–1928) was a Mexican priest martyred during the Cristero War at age 28. Canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 21, 2000. Migrants crossing the desert have reported visions of a young priest in a white cassock appearing to help them find water and safety — and later identifying him from photographs as St. Toribio.

More novenas

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the St. Toribio Romo Novena?

Begin on February 16 to end on February 24, the eve of the feast on February 25.

How do I pray the St. Toribio Romo Novena?

Pray the daily prayer once a day, and remember those on the move.

Who is the St. Toribio Romo Novena for?

It is for migrants, asylum seekers and their families.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play