Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo

Biography

Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo, born on November 1538 and died on March 23, 1606, was a Spanish Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Lima from 1579 until his death. He first studied in the Humanities and Law before being appointed as a university professor. At the behest of King Philip II, he became Grand Inquisitor despite having no previous government or judicial experience. His piety and learning had earned him the king's favor. Mogrovejo was ordained to the priesthood in 1578 and consecrated as an archbishop in 1580 before setting off for Peru to begin his mission. An eminent and charismatic preacher, he set about baptising and catechising the indigenous people, confirming almost half a million individuals, including Rose of Lima and Martin de Porres. A staunch advocate for reform, Turibius worked to restore order among the priests in his diocese by addressing immoral routines and scandals while instituting new educational programs. After his death, his reputation for holiness and learning lived on, leading to calls for his canonisation. Pope Innocent XI beatified him, and Pope Benedict XIII canonised him as a saint on December 10, 1726.