Today we celebrate the memorial Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo.

He was born in Spain, received legal training, and as a result of his academic prowess, was appointed a professor of law at the University of Salamanca before ultimately rising to the position of the chief judge of the Granada Inquisition. He succeeded very well. Yet, he lacked the legal acumen to stop an unexpected turn of events.

Turibius was selected for the position of archbishop of Lima when that region of Peru needed a new head of state because he was the only candidate with the moral fortitude and spiritual sanctity required to end the scandals that had plagued that region.

He quoted every canon that barred bestowing ecclesiastical honors on laypeople, but he lost the argument. Turibius was sent to Peru, where he experienced the worst instances of colonialism, and became a priest and bishop. The local populace was oppressed in every way by the Spanish conquerors. He first focused his efforts and suffering on the egregious abuses committed by the clergy because of these practices.

He started his lengthy and arduous tour of a vast archdiocese, studying the language and staying two to three days in each location, frequently without a bed or food. Every morning, Turibius confessed to his chaplain and participated fervently in Mass. The future Saint Rose of Lima and perhaps Saint Martin de Porres were among those to whom he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. After 1590, he received assistance from Francis Solanus, a legendary missionary who is today revered as a saint.

Even though they were highly impoverished, his people were sensitive and dreaded accepting public alms from others. Turibius found a solution by offering them unidentified assistance.

Source: franciscanmedia.org