Born in Spain in the 16th century, his parents were nobles who had a rich faith life. 

From his youth, Turibius had a great devotion to The Blessed Mother, once fasting for a week while reciting rosaries constantly in her honor. 

In college he excelled in law, becoming a scholar and professor. Eventually, this led to him being named the Chief Inquisitor at Granada. 

In spite of the fact that he was not a priest, the Pope asked Turibious to become the Archbishop of Lima, Peru. He was quite hesitant because he was not religious but he received intense training, was ordained and in 1579, became the Archbishop of Lima. 

He’d been chosen because of his brilliance and determination, qualities badly needed in Lima, which was an archdiocese in disarray, especially because of abuses among the clergy. 

He began by visiting each parish and staying for several days to get closer to the parishioners and local population. 

Each morning he had the local Priest hear his confession and then said mass. He was known for his great reverence during mass. 

Among those he confirmed were St. Rose of Lima and St. Martin De Porres. 

Turibius spiritually and physically rebuilt the Archdiocese in Lima, establishing new churches and schools, and even having new roads built. 

And, he predicted the exact day and hour of his own death. 

While visiting a local parish, he developed a fever and became suddenly very ill. In his last words, he quoted Jesus, Himself: “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” 

He died on this day in 1606.

St. Turibius, please pray for us.