upon completing his primary education, gonzález rubio studied at the seminario conciliar of guadalajara. he continued at the university of guadalajara, where he graduated on july 20, 1820, with a degree in philosophy. in 1821, mexico gained its independence from spain. in 1824, he applied to the colegio de nuestra señora de zapopan, seeking admission to the franciscan order. he began his novitiate and was accepted into the order on january 10, 1825 with the religious name "josé maría de jesús" and the title of fray (friar).