St. Turibius pf Mogrovejo
Feast Day: March 23
“The Lord commands us to go out to all the world and spread the Gospel to every creature.” – St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, bishop and missionary, is honored for his tireless evangelization, defense of the poor, and leadership of the Church in Peru. His feast day, celebrated on March 23, commemorates his dedication to spreading the Gospel and reforming the Church in the New World.
A Scholar Called to Mission
Turibius was born in 1538 in Spain and was a highly respected law professor and judge, known for his wisdom and integrity. Despite being a layman, he was unexpectedly chosen by the king and confirmed by the pope to become the Archbishop of Lima, Peru, a position that urgently needed a holy and capable leader.
Accepting the role as God’s will, Turibius was ordained a priest and then consecrated bishop before setting sail for the missions of the New World.
A Tireless Shepherd in Peru
Arriving in Lima in 1581, Turibius found a Church weakened by corruption, neglect, and injustice, particularly toward the indigenous peoples.
Over the next 25 years, he traveled tirelessly—often on foot, horseback, or mule—across his vast diocese, visiting the most remote villages, mountains, and jungles. He learned native languages like Quechua to communicate the faith more effectively.
Turibius baptized hundreds of thousands, confirmed countless others, and worked to ensure the sacraments and the Gospel reached every corner of his territory.
A Defender of the Poor and the Oppressed
Turibius was a fierce advocate for the rights of the indigenous people, confronting both civil and ecclesiastical authorities when they exploited or mistreated them. He promoted the establishment of schools, seminaries, and churches, ensuring proper formation for both clergy and laity.
He held synods to reform Church practices, raised the standards of the priesthood, and demanded integrity and holiness from all under his care.
A Legacy of Saints and Missionary Zeal
Turibius’s missionary work influenced a generation of future saints, including St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Juan Macías, all of whom lived in Peru during or shortly after his time.
He died in 1606, exhausted from his labors, but leaving behind a flourishing Church rooted in justice, holiness, and missionary zeal.
Patron of Latin American Bishops and Native Peoples
St. Turibius is the patron saint of Latin American bishops, indigenous peoples, and missionary work in the Americas, a model of episcopal leadership, humility, and devotion to the spread of the Gospel.
A Witness of Courage and Evangelization
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo’s life reminds the faithful that the Gospel knows no boundaries. His tireless love for souls, his defense of the poor, and his unwavering commitment to the faith continue to inspire missionaries and leaders around the world.
St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, pray for us!