Alfonso Salmeron facts for kids
Alfonso Salmerón (born September 8, 1515 – died February 13, 1585) was a Spanish priest and a very important Bible scholar. He was also one of the first members of a religious group called the Jesuits.
Biography
Alfonso Salmerón was born in Toledo, Spain in 1515. He went to college at Alcalá and then studied philosophy and theology in Paris. In Paris, he met St. Ignatius of Loyola, who would later start the Jesuit order.
In 1534, Salmerón joined Ignatius and others, like St. Francis Xavier, to become the first companions of Loyola. They traveled to Venice and then to Rome. Salmerón was allowed to become a priest when he was old enough. He spent time helping poor people and children in Siena. In 1541, he made his final promises to join the new Society of Jesus.
In 1541, Pope Paul III sent Salmerón and another Jesuit, Paschase Broët, as special messengers (called nuncios) to Ireland. After this trip, Salmerón preached in Rome for two years. He taught about parts of the Bible, like the letters of Saint Paul.
Later, Salmerón went to the Council of Trent in 1546. This was a very important meeting of church leaders. He went as an expert advisor to the Pope. At the Council, he and another Jesuit, Diego Laynez, were highly respected. They helped discuss important church beliefs.
After the Council, Salmerón taught at the University of Bologna and then in Ingolstadt. He taught about the Bible, especially the letters of Saint Paul. He also helped start the first Jesuit college in Naples in 1551.
Salmerón continued to travel and advise important church leaders. He went to Poland and Belgium. In 1558, he became the first leader (called a Provincial) of the Jesuits in Naples. He also helped lead the entire Jesuit order for a time.
The Council of Trent started again in 1562. Salmerón was once more chosen by the Pope to be an expert advisor. He helped discuss important topics about bishops and their roles. For many years after the Council, Salmerón spent his time preaching and writing. He was known for his powerful sermons. He wrote many books, and another famous Jesuit, Robert Bellarmine, helped him review his writings. Salmerón died in Naples in 1585.
Works
Alfonso Salmerón wrote many books that explained parts of the Bible. These books were called "Scriptural commentaries." He wrote sixteen volumes in total. Eleven of these books were about the Gospels (the stories of Jesus's life). One book was about the Acts of the Apostles, and four books explained the letters of Saint Paul.
These books were based on the lessons he gave when he was preaching and teaching. He gathered all his notes later in life and prepared them for publishing after he died.
Salmerón was known for his strong faith and good qualities. These included his courage, wisdom, and generosity. His ideas were very important at the Council of Trent. He influenced discussions on many church teachings, like how people become righteous, the Holy Eucharist, forgiveness, and the role of bishops.
See also
In Spanish: Alfonso Salmerón para niños
