Saint Turibius of Mogroveio

Biography

Saint Turibius of Mogroveio, also known as Turibius of Lima, was born in 1538 in Mayorga de Campos, Leon, Spain, to a noble family. From a young age, he displayed great intelligence and was renowned for his extensive knowledge of the law. He pursued his academic studies at Salamanca University, where he eventually became a professor of law. In 1578, at the age of 40, Turibius was ordained as a priest. Soon after, he was appointed as a judge for the Court of the Inquisition in Granada, Spain. However, his true calling awaited him in the New World. In 1579, he was appointed as the Archbishop of Lima, Peru, a position he held until his death. Upon arriving in Lima, Turibius immediately recognized the spiritual needs of the indigenous population and embarked on a mission to improve their lives and ensure their rights were protected. He fought tirelessly for the rights of the native people against the abuses of the Spanish masters, advocating for their fair treatment and dignity. One of Turibius' most significant contributions was the establishment of the first seminary in the entire Western Hemisphere. Recognizing the importance of a well-educated clergy, he founded the Seminary of Saint Toribio in Lima in 1591. This seminary trained countless priests, who went on to serve the spiritual needs of the growing population in the New World. In addition to his efforts to educate and empower the native population, Turibius also sought to organize and strengthen the Church in the New World. He organized councils and synods to establish ecclesiastical discipline and ensure proper administration of the sacraments. His dedication to improving the quality of religious life in the region remains a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to the Church. Saint Turibius of Mogroveio passed away on 23 May 1606 in Santa, Peru, due to natural causes. His legacy, however, lives on through his canonization as a saint. He was beatified on 2 July 1679 by Pope Innocent XI and later canonized on 10 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. Saint Turibius is revered as the patron saint of Latin American bishops, native rights, Lima, Peru, and Peru itself. His life serves as an inspiration to all who strive for justice, compassion, and the betterment of society. His selfless dedication to the indigenous people of the New World and his tireless efforts to establish a just and compassionate Church make him a shining example of a true servant of God.