St. Toribio

St. Toribio - March 23rd

This Spanish saint was a famous judge, wise and just. Although he was not a priest at that time, he was asked to become Archbishop of Lima in Peru, South America. That was because everyone knew what a fine Christian he was. Toribio did not think he was worthy. He begged to be excused from the honor. But when he learned about the miserable condition of the Indians in Peru, he could not refuse to help them and to bring them to the Faith. He was ordained a priest and set out for Peru.

As Archbishop, St. Toribio traveled all over the land, over the snowy mountains on foot, over the hot sands of the seashore. He built churches and hospitals. He built schools to train priests. He learned the different languages of the Indians so that he could preach to them in their troubles and protected them from being treated cruelly by those who had conquered them.

After a life of charity to his beloved Indians, St. Toribio was called to heaven.

Let us treat everyone in the same kind manner, and be especially good to those who are not as fortunate as we.