Turibius of Astorga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Turibius of Astorga
Statue of Saint Turibius, Cathedral of Astorga.
Bishop
Died	460 AD
Major shrine	Cathedral of Astorga
Feast	April 16
Attributes	mitre

Saint Turibius of Astorga (Spanish: Santo Toribio de Astorga) was an important church leader. He lived a long time ago, in the 400s. He was first an archdeacon in a town called Tui. Later, he became the Bishop of Astorga. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church.

Turibius was very dedicated to keeping the church's rules and beliefs strong. He was a big supporter of Nicene Christianity. This was the main Christian belief at the time. He worked hard to protect it from other ideas, like a belief system called Priscillianism in Galicia. Even Pope Leo the Great, a very important leader of the church, sent him a letter to show his support.

Who Was Saint Turibius?

Turibius was born a long time ago, but we don't know his exact birth year. He was active as a church leader around the year 446. He died in Astorga in the year 460. After he died, people honored him as a saint.

His Important Work

In 446, Turibius organized a special meeting called a synod. This was a gathering of church leaders. They met to discuss important matters for the church. He worked hard to make sure everyone followed the church's rules. He also defended the main Christian beliefs against different ideas that were spreading.

His Legacy

After Saint Turibius died, his followers believed his body parts, called relics, were very special. They also believed he had brought a piece of the lignum crucis from Jerusalem. This means a piece of the cross that Jesus was crucified on.

Around the middle of the 700s, his relics and the piece of the cross were moved. They were taken to the Monastery of Liébana. This monastery became a very important place because of these items.

Saint Turibius's special day, called his feast day, is April 16. This is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church. When you see pictures of him, he usually wears a special hat called a mitre. It's important not to confuse him with another saint named Turibius of Liébana.

See also

• In Spanish: Toribio de Astorga para niños