Saint Toribio Alfonso de Mongrovejo (1538-1606) Bishop and defender of the rights of the native Indians in Peru. He founded schools, churches, hospitals, and the first seminary in the New World. To assist his pastoral work among the Indians, he also mastered several Indian dialects. Together with Rose of Lima, Turibius is the first known saint of the New World, serving the Lord in Peru, South America, for 26 years.

Born in Spain and educated for the law, he became so brilliant a scholar that he was made professor of law at the University of Salamanca and eventually became chief judge of the Inquisition at Granada. He succeeded too well. But he was not sharp enough a lawyer to prevent a surprising sequence of events.

When the archdiocese of Lima in Peru required a new leader, Turibius was chosen to fill the post: He was the one person with the strength of character and holiness of spirit to heal the scandals that had infected that area.

He cited all the canons that forbade giving laymen ecclesiastical dignities, but he was overruled. He was ordained priest and bishop and sent to Peru, where he found colonialism at its worst. The Spanish conquerors were guilty of every sort of oppression of the native population. Abuses among the clergy were flagrant, and he devoted his energies (and suffering) to this area first.

He began the long and arduous visitation of an immense archdiocese, studying the language, staying two or three days in each place, often with neither bed nor food. He confessed every morning to his chaplain, and celebrated Mass with intense fervor. Among those to whom he gave the Sacrament of Confirmation was St. Rose of Lima, and possibly St. Martin de Porres. After 1590 he had the help of another great missionary, St. Francis Solanus.

His people, though very poor, were sensitive, dreading to accept public charity from others. Turibius solved the problem by helping them anonymously.

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11 COMMENTS

  1. O God, who gave increase to Your Church
    through the apostolic labours and zeal for truth
    of the Bishop Saint Turibius,
    grant that the people consecrated to You
    may always receive new growth
    in faith and holiness.
    Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
    who lives and reigns with You
    in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
    one God, forever and ever.
    Amen.

  2. As most of all saints, they stay with our loving God no matter how many trials and tribulations cross their path!!!!!!
    St.Turibius, give those who face unjustified experiences, your strength and faith!!!!!!!
    God is so much more powerful than any of his people, He will show us the way,,,,,,,,,all we need to do is LISTEN!!!!!!!!!!!
    You served God so completely and deeply,St.Turibius, May we follow you !!!!!!!!!!

  3. Amazing to see the deep devotion to Jesus that these early saints were willing to stay loyal in suffering ….not in luxury or in a peaceful place….But in true suffering and oppression.
    Teresa

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