The Saints: Toribio of Mogrovejo

1538 - 1606 / Feast - March 23

A lay law professor in Salamanca, Spain, he was named inquisitor of Granada, then in 1580 was ordained archbishop of Lima, Peru. His first of three visitations around the huge diocese took seven years; he held a number of synods, reformed the clergy and published catechisms in Indian languages. Known for his missionary zeal, Toribio organized the first seminary in the Americas and conducted extensive charities. The 25-year episcopate of this patron of Peru had a positive influence throughout South America.