Jerónimo Xavierre facts for kids
Jerónimo Xavierre was a Spanish priest from the Dominican Order. He was born in Zaragoza in 1546 and passed away in Valladolid on September 8, 1608. He was also a very smart thinker, known as a theologian.
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Early Life and Education
Jerónimo Xavierre was born into a large family. He was the third of seven children. When he was 16 years old, in 1562, he decided to join the Dominican Order. This meant he would dedicate his life to serving God as a Dominican friar.
He spent ten years studying and teaching at a special school in Tortosa. First, he was a student, learning many things. Then, he became a professor, sharing his knowledge with others. By the end of 1575, he returned to his home region.
Important Roles and Work
In 1578, Jerónimo became an advisor to the Holy Office in his city. The Holy Office was a part of the Catholic Church that dealt with religious matters. In 1579, he earned a special title in theology.
Starting in 1581, he became a university professor of theology. He worked very hard to help establish the University of Zaragoza as a strong and important school. For many years, he balanced his teaching work with being a leader (called a prior) for the Dominican preachers in Zaragoza. He also helped start the School of St. Vincent Ferrer.
Leading the Dominican Order
In 1600, Jerónimo was chosen to be the provincial prior of Aragon. This meant he was in charge of all the Dominicans in that region. However, the very next year, he was elected to an even bigger role: the Master of the Order of Preachers. This made him the worldwide leader of the entire Dominican Order!
As the Master, he worked to train new priests and improve religious life. He also did important theological work and helped the Order grow in places like the West Indies. He also promoted the history and traditions of the Order.
In 1605, after a big meeting of the Order in Valladolid, Jerónimo was chosen by King Philip III to be his personal confessor. This was a very trusted position, as he would hear the king's confessions and offer spiritual advice.
Becoming a Cardinal
Jerónimo became very well-liked by King Philip III. The king even asked Pope Paul V to make Jerónimo a cardinal. A cardinal is a very high-ranking official in the Catholic Church, just below the Pope.
On December 10, 1607, Jerónimo received the title of cardinal. However, he never traveled to Rome to officially receive the red hat and title in person. He passed away the following year in 1608.
See also
In Spanish: Jerónimo Xavierre para niños
