Early Life and Education
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo was born in 1538 in Mayorga, Spain, into a noble family. He was well-educated and displayed great intellectual and moral virtues from an early age. He studied at the University of Valladolid and later at Salamanca, excelling in law and theology. His brilliant legal mind and deep piety led King Philip II of Spain to appoint him as Grand Inquisitor of Granada, despite the fact that he was a layman at the time.
Unexpected Call to the Episcopacy
Though Turibius had no ambition for high office within the Church, Divine Providence had other plans. When the position of Archbishop of Lima, Peru, became vacant, King Philip II saw in him the perfect candidate to reform the Church in the New World. Despite his protests, Pope Gregory XIII confirmed the appointment in 1579. Turibius was quickly ordained a priest and then consecrated bishop.
With heroic obedience, he embraced his new mission and set sail for Peru, arriving in 1581. The diocese of Lima was immense, covering nearly all of modern-day Peru and much of South America. The region suffered from widespread corruption among the clergy and civil authorities, and the native Indians were often treated unjustly.
A Tireless Missionary and Reformer
As soon as he arrived, Archbishop Turibius set out on a relentless campaign of reform and evangelization:
- He strictly enforced the decrees of the Council of Trent, ensuring discipline among clergy and religious orders.
- He worked tirelessly for the protection of the indigenous people, defending their rights against oppressive Spanish officials.
- He learned native languages such as Quechua and Aymara, so he could preach directly to the people in their own tongue.
- He traveled thousands of miles—on foot, through mountains and jungles—to visit even the most remote villages, administering baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist.
- He founded the first seminary in the Americas (Lima, 1591) to ensure the proper training of priests.
It is said that he baptized and confirmed over half a million souls, among them St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres, and St. John Macías—three of the greatest saints of South America.
Miracles and Prophetic Spirit
St. Turibius was known for his great spirit of penance and deep mysticism. He often went without food and sleep, offering his sacrifices for the souls under his care. Many miracles were attributed to him, including:
- Supernatural knowledge of events before they happened.
- Healing the sick through his prayers and blessings.
- Bilocation, being seen in two places at once while ministering to the faithful.
Holy Death and Canonization
While on one of his long missionary journeys, St. Turibius fell ill. Instead of seeking comfort, he gave away everything he had to the poor and prepared for his death in great humility. On March 23, 1606, he passed away in Saña, Peru, reciting the words of Psalm 31:5:
“Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”
His sanctity was immediately recognized, and in 1726, he was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII.
Legacy and Patronage
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo is the patron saint of Latin American bishops, Peru, and indigenous peoples. His example remains a powerful witness of zeal for souls, pastoral care, and missionary spirit.