 In 1923, an estimated 40,000 Roman Catholics made their way to the site of the cross to take part in the groundbreaking ceremonies at the hill, which was at the time called "La Loma" and is now called the mountain of Christ the King.After the open display of defiance, the government decided to intensify its persecution of Catholics in Mexico and to ensure that Robles, in particular, would not engage in such acts again.Despite the increasing persecution of Catholics in general and the explicit invitations to him to leave Mexico personally, Robles remained and continued to minister to his congregation and tiy offer what solace he could to the survivors and families of Catholics who had been persecuted and killed by the government.