Alonso de Orozco Mena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintAlonso de Orozco Mena O.S.A. |
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| Priest | |
| Born | 17 October 1500 Oropesa, Toledo, Spain |
| Died | 19 September 1591 (aged 90) Madrid, Spain |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 January 1882, Saint Peter's Basilica, Kingdom of Italy by Pope Leo XIII |
| Canonized | 19 May 2002, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | |
| Attributes |
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Alonso de Orozco Mena (born October 17, 1500 – died September 19, 1591) was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest. He belonged to the Augustinian order. Alonso was famous in Spain for his great sermons and for living a very simple, humble life.
He became a saint because people believed God performed miracles through him. He was made a saint in 2002. We celebrate his feast day every year on September 19.
Contents
Life of Saint Alonso
Alonso de Orozco was born in Toledo, Spain, on October 17, 1500. As a child, he loved music and sang in a church choir. When he was 14, his parents sent him to study at a school in Salamanca.
Becoming a Priest
In his early twenties, Alonso joined the Order of Saint Augustine. He was inspired by Thomas of Villanova, who would also become a saint. Alonso felt a strong call to become a priest after hearing a special sermon in 1520. He officially joined the Augustinian order in 1522.
He became a priest in 1527 and quickly became known as a wonderful preacher. In 1549, he traveled to the missions in Mexico. However, he suffered from severe arthritis, which made him return to Spain.
Serving Others
Back in Spain, Alonso became the leader of his monastery in Valladolid in 1554. He also became a preacher for the royal court of Emperor Charles V. In 1561, he moved with the court to Madrid.
Even though he was close to the powerful court, Alonso chose to live a very simple life. He refused any special benefits that came with being a court preacher. He wanted to remain a humble monk. He was always ready to help anyone who needed his advice. He spent much of his time visiting people who were sick or in prison.
Alonso was also a talented writer in both Spanish and Latin. He wrote books about his Augustinian order. He helped his order start new monasteries and convents across Spain.
His Final Days
In August 1591, Alonso became very ill with a fever. His health quickly got worse. He passed away on September 19, 1591. Many people came to his funeral when they heard the news of his death.
Becoming a Saint
The process to make Alonso a saint began a long time after his death, on December 13, 1676. This first step gave him the title Servant of God. Two investigations were held in Spain to gather information about his life and collect stories from witnesses.
Steps to Sainthood
On August 15, 1732, Pope Clement XII officially declared that Alonso had lived a life of great goodness. This gave him the title of Venerable.
He was then declared "Blessed" (beatified) on January 15, 1882. This happened after Pope Leo XIII approved two healings that were believed to be miracles caused by Alonso. A third miracle was approved later, which allowed Pope John Paul II to declare him a saint on May 19, 2002.
See also
In Spanish: Alonso de Orozco para niños
