Antonio Alcalde Barriga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antonio Alcalde Barriga |
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| Bishop of Guadalajara | |
Portrait.
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Diocese | Guadalajara |
| See | Guadalajara |
| Appointed | 20 May 1771 |
| Enthroned | 19 August 1771 |
| Reign ended | 7 August 1792 |
| Predecessor | Diego Rodríguez de Rivas Velasco |
| Successor | Esteban Lorenzo de Tristán Esmenota |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1725 |
| Consecration | 8 May 1763 by Manuel de Sosa Béthencourt |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Antonio Alcalde Barriga |
| Born | 14 March 1701 Cigales, Valladolid, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | 7 August 1792 (aged 91) Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Previous post | Bishop of Yucatán (1762-71) |
| Sainthood | |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Attributes | Dominican habit |
Antonio Alcalde Barriga (born March 14, 1701 – died August 7, 1792) was a Spanish Catholic leader. He was a member of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. Antonio Alcalde served as the Bishop of Guadalajara in Mexico.
Before coming to Mexico, he spent over 30 years in Spain. He worked in Dominican convents as a teacher and a prior (a leader of a monastery). King Carlos III then chose him to become a bishop in Mexico. First, he served in Yucatán, and later moved to Guadalajara.
In Guadalajara, he is best remembered for two big projects. He helped start a hospital and a college. He also worked hard to fix and build many churches and schools. His work helped many people in the region.
After his death, people began a process to recognize his holiness. This process started in 1994, and he was given the title Servant of God.
Contents
Antonio Alcalde's Early Life and Calling
Antonio Alcalde Barriga was born on March 14, 1701. He was the fourth and last child of his parents, José Alcalde and Isabel Barriga Balboa. His family lived in Cigales, a town in Spain.
His mother passed away when he was very young, just a few months old. So, his father took care of him and his siblings. Antonio also had an uncle who was a priest. His uncle helped guide him in his religious studies.
As a child, Antonio loved spending time in church. Sometimes, he would stay so long that he would fall asleep! The church worker, called a sacristan, would have to take him home. His parents would then remind him about his behavior.
Becoming a Dominican Friar
When Antonio turned 16 in 1717, he joined the Order of Preachers. This was at the San Pablo convent in Valladolid. He officially became a Dominican friar in 1718. During this time, he studied Latin and prepared for his religious life.
He became a deacon in late 1724 or early 1725. Soon after, he was ordained as a priest in 1725. After becoming a priest, he served as a prior in several Dominican convents. He also taught students and new members of the order.
In 1751, he earned his master's degree. He then became the prior for the Santo Domingo convent in Zamora. Later, in 1753, he led another convent near Madrid.
Serving as a Bishop in Mexico
In July 1760, King Charles III visited the convent where Antonio Alcalde was serving. The king was very impressed by Antonio's good character and his leadership skills.
Because of this, on September 18, 1761, the king chose Antonio to become the Bishop of Yucatán in Mexico. Pope Clement XIII officially approved this choice in 1762. Antonio was consecrated as a bishop in 1763 and then sailed to Mexico. He arrived in Yucatán on August 1, 1763, ready for his new mission. When he got there, he even learned the Mayan language to better connect with the local people.
Leading the Diocese of Guadalajara
Antonio Alcalde was appointed as the Bishop of Guadalajara on May 20, 1771. He arrived in Guadalajara on December 12, 1771, to begin his duties.
He is most remembered for two important projects in Guadalajara:
- The San Miguel Hospital: This hospital opened in November 1792, shortly after his death. It provided care for many people.
- The Universidad de Guadalajara: He worked hard to get approval for this college. King Charles IV approved its construction in 1791.
Bishop Alcalde also focused on building and fixing churches across his large diocese. He believed strongly in education and made sure to support schools as well.
Antonio Alcalde's Simple Life
People in Guadalajara respected Bishop Alcalde very much. They knew him as a kind and friendly person. He was also known for being cheerful but direct.
He lived a very simple life. He slept on a bed of sheepskin on the bare ground. He used a piece of wood as his pillow. In winter, he would use a rough blanket to keep warm. He also fasted often. He usually ate vegetables, but sometimes he would add meat to his meals.
Antonio Alcalde Barriga passed away on August 4, 1792, in Guadalajara. He was buried in the diocese he served so well.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio Alcalde y Barriga para niños
