Saint Juan De Ribera

Biography

Saint Juan de Ribera, also known as Juan of Ribera or Juan of Rivera, was born on March 20, 1532, in Seville, Spain. He was the son of Peter de Ribera, a devout Christian who held prominent positions as the Duke of Alcalá, Spain, and viceroy of Naples, Italy. From his early years, Juan was raised in a deeply religious and influential family. Juan received a comprehensive education and went on to study at the prestigious University of Salamanca. There, he excelled in his studies and developed a strong foundation in theology. In 1557, he was ordained as a priest and began his career as a professor of theology at the University of Salamanca, where he would leave a lasting impact. His knowledge and piety gained him great respect from both Pope Pius V and King Philip II of Spain. He became known for his commitment to the Catholic faith and his unyielding dedication to improving the spiritual and moral life of his community. In spite of his reluctance, Saint Juan de Ribera was appointed as the bishop of Badajoz, Spain, on May 27, 1562. He carried out his duties with utmost humility and integrity, working tirelessly to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church and care for the spiritual needs of his flock. On December 3, 1568, Saint Juan de Ribera became the archbishop of Valencia, Spain, a position he held for over 40 years. During his time as archbishop, he implemented numerous reforms to enhance the spiritual life of the faithful. Despite facing challenges and opposition, his dedication to his episcopal duties remained unwavering. One notable event during Saint Juan de Ribera's tenure as archbishop took place in 1609 when he ordered the deportation of all Moors, referring to the Muslim population, from his archdiocese. This decision was part of a larger policy by the Spanish crown to expel Muslims and enforce religious unity. In addition to his spiritual work, Saint Juan de Ribera served as the viceroy of Valencia, appointed by King Philip III. This role allowed him to address both spiritual and temporal concerns, ensuring the well-being of the people under his charge. Saint Juan de Ribera was a man of deep faith known for his personal holiness and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church. His love for God and dedication to the Church was evident in his philanthropic efforts, including the foundation of the College of Corpus Christi at Valencia, a significant educational institution that still exists today. Saint Juan de Ribera maintained close relationships with other notable figures of his time, including his friendship with Saint Nicholas Factor. His testimony was even used in Saint Nicholas' beatification investigation, highlighting the trust and respect he commanded within the Church. After a long illness, Saint Juan de Ribera passed away on January 6, 1611, at the College of Corpus Christi in Valencia. His life and virtues were recognized by Pope Clement XIII, who declared him as venerable on December 8, 1759. Later, on September 18, 1796, Pope Pius VI beatified him, and finally, on June 12, 1960, Pope John XXIII canonized him as a saint. Today, Saint Juan de Ribera is remembered as a model of holiness, a scholar, and a pastor who dedicated his life to the service of God and the Catholic Church. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to grow in their faith and live virtuously.