John Macias
John Macias was a Spanish-born Dominican friar who evangelized in Peru beginning in 1620. He is remembered for his deep devotion to the rosary, his generosity to the poor, and his work as the assistant porter at his priory for over 20 years. Canonized in 1975, his image is venerated at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Lima.
- Feast Day
- September 18
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Peru
Key Facts
- ›He was born Juan de Arcas y Sánchez on March 2, 1585, in Ribera del Fresno, Spain.
- ›He took the surname Macias from his uncle, who raised him after his parents died when he was four.
- ›Macias arrived in Lima, Peru, in 1620 and entered the Dominican Priory of St. Mary Magdalene as a lay brother in 1622.
- ›He is known for feeding 200 poor people daily, aided by a donkey that collected donations.
- ›He served as the priory's assistant porter for over 20 years, a role that disciplined his inclination towards solitude.
- ›He was beatified in 1837 and canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI.
Juan de Arcas y Sánchez, Massias
About John Macias
John Macias, born Juan de Arcas y Sánchez on March 2, 1585, was a Spanish-born Dominican friar who became a significant evangelizer in Peru. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his uncle, from whom he took the surname Macias. He developed a deep devotion to prayer, particularly the rosary, from his youth.
Life and Ministry in Peru
Macias arrived in Peru in 1620, a journey that marked his emigration to the Americas. In 1622, he entered the Dominican Priory of St. Mary Magdalene in Lima as a lay brother, dedicating himself to manual labor and prayer. He served for over two decades as the priory's assistant porter, a role that, while against his natural inclination for solitude, helped him discipline his vow of obedience and brought him a sense of fulfillment.
Devotion and Charity
John Macias is chiefly remembered for two defining aspects of his life: his profound love for the rosary and his boundless generosity towards the poor. He is credited with feeding approximately 200 poor individuals daily, often aided by a donkey that collected donations throughout Lima. His life was characterized by fervent prayer, penance, and charity, attracting both the needy seeking sustenance and the wealthy seeking spiritual counsel.
Canonization and Veneration
Following his death from natural causes in September 1645, several miracles were attributed to him, leading to his eventual canonization. He was beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI and formally canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI. His feast day is celebrated on September 18. In Peru, his image is prominently displayed at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Lima and he is venerated through an annual public procession held in November.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Macias?
John Macias, born Juan de Arcas y Sánchez, was a Spanish-born Dominican friar who spent much of his life evangelizing in Peru. He is revered for his piety, generosity, and service as a lay brother.
When did John Macias live?
John Macias was born on March 2, 1585, and died in September 1645. He arrived in Peru in 1620 and entered the Dominican order in 1622.
What is John Macias known for?
He is primarily known for his love of the rosary, his extensive generosity to the poor, whom he fed daily, and his long service as the assistant porter at his priory. He was also known for his obedience and contemplative prayer.
When was John Macias canonized?
John Macias was canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI. He had been beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Where is John Macias venerated?
John Macias is primarily venerated in Peru, where he evangelized and lived for the latter part of his life. His image is located at the main altar of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Lima, and an annual procession takes place in his honor.
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