Blessed Gregorio López

Biography

Blessed Gregorio López, also known as Gregorio López or simply Father Gregorio, was born on July 4, 1542, in Madrid, Spain. He was a court page to King Philip II, which provided him with opportunities for education and exposure to the sciences of his time.

Driven by a deep spiritual calling, Gregorio decided to dedicate his life to God and embarked on a six-year period of solitude as a hermit in the Navarre region of Spain. During this time, he delved further into his studies and nurtured his spirituality.

In 1562, Gregorio felt called to spread the word of God in a new setting, and he journeyed to Mexico. There, he settled among the native peoples near Zacatecas and what is now modern-day Mexico City, continuing his life as a hermit. News of his devout life and profound wisdom quickly spread, and countless individuals sought him out for spiritual guidance.

Due to his growing popularity and influence, the archbishop of Mexico City decided to examine Gregorio's fidelity to the faith. The bishop and his priests were incredibly impressed by his profound knowledge, unwavering piety, and unyielding wisdom. Instead of diminishing his following, this examination only served to increase the number of people seeking his advice and consolation.

In light of this, Gregorio sought solitude in the small village of Santa Fe, where he spent the remaining days of his life. There, surrounded by the serenity of nature, he continued to pray, meditate, and provide spiritual guidance to those who sought it.

The devotion to Blessed Gregorio López quickly spread throughout Mexico, with numerous individuals perceiving him as a holy man, an intermediary between them and God. His remarkable life and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession led to his cause for canonization being pursued since 1620, although he has not yet been officially declared a saint.

Blessed Gregorio López's life is celebrated and honored on his feast day, which falls on July 20th. He passed away on the same date in 1596 near Mexico City, Mexico, due to natural causes.

Throughout Mexico, Blessed Gregorio López is revered for his deep spirituality, his unwavering commitment to the faith, and his exemplary life as a hermit. His extraordinary wisdom and piety continue to inspire and guide countless individuals, making him a cherished figure within the Catholic tradition.