Michael Wadding (priest) facts for kids

Michael Wadding (1591–1644) was an Irish priest. He was part of a group called the Jesuits. He was also known as Miguel Godinez. Michael Wadding traveled far away to New Spain (which is now Mexico) to share his faith. He was born in Waterford, Kingdom of Ireland, in 1591. He lived and worked in Mexico for over 20 years. He passed away there in December 1644.

His Life and Work

Michael Wadding's father, Thomas Wadding, was the Mayor of Waterford. Michael had three brothers who also became Jesuits. A Jesuit is a member of a Catholic religious group called the Society of Jesus. Many of his cousins also became priests.

Michael studied at a special school for priests in Salamanca, Spain. There, he took the name Miguel Godinez. He joined the Jesuits in 1609. After two years of training, he continued his studies and became a priest. He then got permission to go on missions to Mexico.

Missionary in Mexico

Wadding was sent to work in Sinaloa, Mexico. In 1620, he worked with the Mayan people and the Tepehuán people. He also helped the Comicaris and the Basiroas tribes. He worked very hard to bring them into the Christian faith.

He wrote about the many challenges and difficulties missionaries faced. He knew these struggles well because he experienced them himself. In 1626, he made a special promise to the Jesuit order.

Teacher and Spiritual Guide

Michael Wadding taught for several years in different colleges in Mexico. These included San Ildefonso and the Jesuit Colegio Máximo. In 1642, he became an adviser for the Spanish Inquisition in Mexico.

He was known for his deep understanding of spiritual experiences. He was also very wise in guiding people. He served as a confessor (a spiritual adviser) to two nuns in Puebla de los Ángeles. These nuns were considered mystics, meaning they had special spiritual experiences. He asked their assistants to write down the stories of these women's lives.

His Main Book

Wadding's most important book was called Practica de la teología mistica. This book was based on his own long experiences, not just on what he studied. It was published in 1681, almost 40 years after he died. This book was very popular and was printed 10 times. Outside of Spanish-speaking countries, it is mostly known through a large commentary written by another Jesuit, Manuel La Reguera.