José Torrubia facts for kids

José Torrubia was born in Spain in 1698. When he was 16, in 1714, he became a priest and joined the Franciscans, a religious group. He was also a keen scientist who studied nature, especially rocks (which is called Geology) and ancient life forms like fossils (which is called palaeontology).

Missionary Work

In 1721, José Torrubia volunteered to be a missionary in the Philippines. He also traveled to Canton. People quickly noticed his talents, and he rose to important positions. In 1734, he was chosen to represent the Franciscans from the Philippines in Spain and Rome.

Representing the Franciscans

After nearly ten years in Spain, José Torrubia had some disagreements with the Franciscans in the Philippines about what he was supposed to do as their representative.

In 1745, he traveled to Mexico with other Spanish Franciscans who were going to the Philippines. However, he felt that he might not be welcome there, so he joined a group of Mexican Franciscans instead. These disagreements led to many letters and arguments as both sides tried to explain their point of view to the Spanish King, Charles III, and Pope Benedict XIV. Even though there were challenges, Spanish royal officials, Church leaders, and even the Franciscans in Spain and Rome eventually cleared him of any wrongdoing. He went on to hold important positions in Rome and passed away there in 1761. He had also published many important works during his lifetime.

Plants and Fungi Named After Him

José Torrubia was honored by scientists who named new discoveries after him.

• In 1825, a botanist named Vell. published about a flowering plant called Torrubia. However, this plant was later grouped with another plant called Guapira.
• Then, in 1885, a scientist who studies fungi, Jean Louis Émile Boudier, published about a genus of fungi called Torrubiella. This type of fungus is part of the Cordycipitaceae family and was also named after José Torrubia.

Images for kids

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  A robot, symbolizing learning and discovery.