Turibius de Mongrovejo (1536-1606), bishop (Optional memorial)

March 23

The next time someone objects to some necessary change with the words, “But that’s the way we’ve always done it,” remember St. Turibius of Mongrovejo.

Sent as the new Archbishop to Lima, Peru, with the assignment of carrying out the reforms mandated by the Council of Trent, St. Turibius encountered some who were reluctant to change their “traditional” way of doing things. “Christ said ‘I am the truth,’ ” the saint replied. “He did not say, ‘I am the custom.’ ”

A zealous reformer, he found wide-spread oppression of the native people by their Spanish conquerors and flagrant abuse among the clergy. This brilliant and articulate man, who before his ordination had been chief justice of the Inquisition, devoted his energies to the vigorous defense of the people committed to his care. By means of numerous councils and synods and many pastoral visits, St. Turibius did much to help his people grow in faith and holiness.

And three other well-known saints lived and worked in Lima at about the same time—St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Francis Solano. Through the self-sacrificing gifts of so many steward saints, the Church is renewed and strengthened.

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