Saint Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop

Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo (16 November 1538 – 23 March 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 went on to become Grand Inquisitor, considered unusual given no previous government or judicial experience. His piety and learning had reached the ears of the king. His distinguished work for the Inquisition earned him praise from the king, who nominated him for the vacant Lima archdiocese. This was confirmed by the pope, under protest from Turibius. 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. He confirmed almost half a million people; these included Rose of Lima and Martin de Porres. A staunch advocate for reform, Turibius set to work restoring some order to the priests of his diocese. He led the worst offenders away from various immoral routines and scandals, meanwhile instituting new educational programmes in priestly training. After his death, his reputation for holiness and learning lived on, leading to calls for his canonisation. Pope Innocent XI beatified the late archbishop, and Pope Benedict XIII canonised him as a saint on 10 December 1726. Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo was born 16 November 1538 in Mayorga in the Valladolid province of Habsburg Spain. He was named after Turibius of Astorga. His parents were of aristocratic lineage: Luis Alfonso de Mogrovejo (1510–1568) and Ana de Roblès i Morán (1515–???). Turibius' sister was Grimanese de Mogrovejo i Robledo (1545–1635). As a child, he was recognised as pious, with a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin. In her honour, he fasted once a week and recited the rosary often.