Turibius Alfonso was serving as a Grand Inquisitor in Spain when King Philip II commanded that he be consecrated as a missionary archbishop for a colony in the New World. He wasn’t even a priest; how could he be consecrated as archbishop? Despite his vehement protests, Turibius went on to receive holy orders. Two years later he was ordained a bishop and then set sail for the New World, being installed as archbishop of the Spanish colony of Peru.

Turibius’ holiness and strength of character were well-established. From a young age he dedicated himself to a daily rosary and praying the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as regular fasting and almsgiving; he continued these practices throughout his life.

Upon reaching the new continent, Turibius journeyed 600 miles inland from the coast to Lima. Along the way he preached, baptized and confirmed those who sought Christ, including St. Rose of Lima. For the majority of his 25 years as archbishop, Turibius was traversing the vast archdiocese learning the local dialects, saying Mass with the people and organizing the building of roads, schools, chapels and hospitals.

Turibius was known as a champion of the rights of the natives in a land and at a time when colonialism was at its worst. His persistent advocacy and insistence on their dignity led to some lessening of oppression. He also tackled clerical abuses.

In 1584, Turibius produced a trilingual catechism to aid in catechizing the local people. And when he founded the first seminary in the western hemisphere, he made it mandatory that attendees learn the indigenous languages.

After 25 years of faithful service to the Archdiocese of Lima, Turibius died in 1606 and was canonized about 100 years later. His commitment to the inherent dignity of each person and his tireless efforts to bring souls to God make him the patron of the rights of indigenous peoples and the patron saint of Peru.

St. Turibius, pray for us!