Faustino Arévalo facts for kids
Faustino Arévalo (born July 23, 1747, in Campanario, Badajoz, Spain – died January 7, 1824, in Madrid) was an important Spanish scholar. He was a Jesuit, which is a member of a Catholic religious order. He was also known for his work with hymns (religious songs) and for studying ancient Christian writings, a field called patrology.
A Life of Learning and Travel
Faustino Arévalo joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1761. However, in 1767, the Jesuits were forced to leave Spain. Arévalo had to move to Italy. While there, he became a trusted friend of Cardinal Lorenzana. The Cardinal supported Arévalo's studies and even made him his executor, meaning Arévalo would handle his affairs after his death.
Arévalo held several important positions in Rome. One of his special roles was "pontifical hymnographer," which meant he helped with religious songs for the Pope. In 1809, he became a theologian for an important church office called the Apostolic Penitentiary.
In 1815, King Ferdinand VII called Arévalo back to Spain. He rejoined the Jesuits, as the order had been restored. By 1820, he became the provincial leader for the Castile region. Arévalo is remembered as one of Spain's top scholars in the study of early Christian writers.
His Important Works
Arévalo spent much of his life working on scholarly projects. Here are some of his most important books:
- Hymnodia Hispanica (published in Rome, 1786): In this book, Arévalo worked to restore old Spanish hymns. He wanted to make them perfect again in their rhythm, music, and grammar. Many scholars, like Cardinal Mai, greatly admired this work.
- Prudentii Carmina (Rome, 1788–89, 2 volumes): This work focused on the poems of Prudentius, an important early Christian poet.
- Dracontii Carmina (Rome, 1791): This book presented the poems of Dracontius, a Christian writer from the 400s who lived in Roman Africa.
- Juvenci Historiae Evangelicae Libri IV (Rome, 1794): This work was about the "Gospel History" written by Juvencus.
- Caelii Sedulii Opera Omnia (Rome, 1813): This included all the works of Coelius Sedulius, another Christian poet.
- S. Isidori Hispaniensis Opera Omnia (Rome, 1813): This was a collection of all the writings by Isidore of Seville, a very famous Spanish scholar and saint.
- Missale Gothicum (Rome, 1804): This book was about an ancient type of Christian prayer book used in Spain.
