St. Toribio of Mogrovejo

St. Toribio of Mogrovejo - Feast Day: March 23

Born in Spain to a noble family, Saint Toribio did not originally consider the priesthood, instead entering the legal profession. He taught law at the University of Salamanca until 1574. 

Known for his piety and integrity, he caught the attention of King Philip II, who appointed him General Inquistor. Then, when the archbishopric of Lima, Peru, fell vacant, King Philip turned to Toribio. In 1580, he was named Archbishop of Lima.  He arrived in Peru in 1581 and spent over 25 years as a missionary there.

Saint Toribio traveled across the diocese visiting his people, often on foot and alone. He worked on reforming the clergy and wrote catechisms in native languages.  He worked to help the poor and defend the rights of the native people. He founded schools, churches, hospitals, and the first seminary in the Americas, and encouraged indigenous men to become priests.

He was canonized in 1726.

He is the patron of native rights, Latin American bishops, and Peru.