San Turibio de Mogrovejo, saint of the day

San Turibio di Mogrovejo: Together with Rosa da Lima, Thuribius he is the first known saint of the New World, who has served the Lord in Peru, South America, for 26 years.

Born in Spain and educated in law, he became such a brilliant scholar that he became a professor of law at the University of Salamanca and eventually became chief judge of the Inquisition in Granada. He did it all too well. But he was not a sharp enough lawyer to prevent a startling sequence of events.

When the archdiocese of Lima in Peru requested a new leader, Turibio was chosen to fill the position: he was the only person with the strength of character and holiness of spirit to heal the scandals that had infected that area.

It cited all the canons that forbade the giving of ecclesiastical dignity to the laity, but it was canceled. Turibio was ordained a priest and bishop and sent to Peru, where he found the worst of colonialism. The Spanish conquistadors were guilty of all sorts of oppression of the native population. The abuses among the clergy were flagrant and he first devoted his energy and suffering to this area.

San Turibio di Mogrovejo: his life of faith

San Turibio di Mogrovejo: The long e began tiring visit of an immense archdiocese, studying the language, staying two or three days in each place, often without bed or food. Turibio confessed to his chaplain every morning and celebrated mass with intense fervor. Among those to whom he delivered the Sacrament of Confirmation was the future Saint Rose of Lima, and perhaps the future San Martin de Porres. After 1590, he had the help of another great missionary, Francesco Solano, now also a saint.

Although a lot poor, his people were sensitive and feared to accept public charity from others. Turibio solved the problem by helping them anonymously.

Reflection: In fact, the Lord writes directly with crooked lines. Against his will and from the unlikely springboard of an Inquisition court, this man became the Christian shepherd of a people poor and oppressed. God gave him the gift of loving others as they needed them.

Let us pray to all the Saints

Let us pray to all the Saints in heaven to grant us all the necessary graces that we need in this life.