Prayer to Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo — shepherd of the Americas

Archbishop of Lima, born in Mayorga (Spain) on 16 November 1538. A layman and jurist, he was chosen to shepherd the vast archdiocese of Peru, which he crossed three times on foot, learning the native languages and defending the indigenous people against the abuses of the colonisers. He convoked councils that gave the Americas a catechism in Spanish, Quechua and Aymara, and founded in Lima (1591) the first seminary of the New World. He confirmed the future Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres. He died at Saña on 23 March 1606. Canonised by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726, he is venerated as patron of the Latin-American episcopate. Feast: 23 March.

O God, who gave increase to your Church in the Americas through the apostolic labour and zeal for truth of the Bishop Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo: grant to the shepherds of your people his tireless care for the flock, especially the poorest and most forgotten; and to all of us the grace to grow ever in faith and holiness. Through his intercession, give to the Church in the Americas holy and missionary bishops. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.