Juan García López-Rico
Juan García López-Rico, also known as John Baptist of the Conception, was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest and reformer from the Trinitarian Order. He is primarily remembered for establishing the Order of Discalced Trinitarians and for his efforts to renew the aims and structure of his religious order. He was canonized in 1975 after a lengthy process of beatification and canonization.
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›He was born on July 10, 1561, in Spain.
- ›He established the Order of Discalced Trinitarians.
- ›He drew inspiration for his reforms from Teresa of Avila.
- ›He was ordained to the priesthood in 1585.
- ›He obtained approval for the reformation of the Trinitarians in 1599.
- ›He died on February 14, 1613, from nephritis.
John Baptist of the Conception
About Juan García López-Rico
Juan García López-Rico (1561 – 1613), known posthumously as John Baptist of the Conception, was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest and a pivotal figure in the reform of the Trinitarian Order. His life's work centered on renewing the aims and structure of his order, leading to the establishment of a distinct branch known as the Order of Discalced Trinitarians.
Life and Ministry
Born in 1561, Juan García López-Rico experienced a spiritual awakening at the age of fifteen, influenced by his meeting with Teresa of Avila. Although this encounter initially stirred a desire to join the Carmelites, he ultimately chose the Trinitarian Order. He took his habit at nineteen on June 28, 1580, and made his religious profession on June 29, 1581. He was ordained a priest in 1585.
His reformist zeal gained significant momentum in 1599 when he obtained papal approval from Pope Clement VIII for his reformation of the Trinitarians. Drawing inspiration from his earlier encounter with Teresa of Avila, he diligently pursued the implementation of his reforms across monasteries, facing and overcoming considerable opposition.
Canonization and Legacy
The process for his canonization began under Pope Innocent XI in 1677, granting him the title Servant of God. Pope Clement XIII recognized his heroic virtue, proclaiming him Venerable in 1760. Following the approval of two miracles attributed to his intercession, he was beatified by Pope Pius VII on September 26, 1819. The formal cause for canonization opened in 1865, and after a third miracle was approved in 1881, he was canonized by Pope Paul VI on May 25, 1975.
Juan García López-Rico is remembered not only as the founder of the Discalced Trinitarians but also as a significant theological writer. His dedication to spiritual renewal and his contributions to religious literature have left a lasting mark on the Trinitarian tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Juan García López-Rico?
Juan García López-Rico (1561–1613), also known as John Baptist of the Conception, was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Trinitarian Order. He is recognized for his significant role as a reformer within his order.
What is Juan García López-Rico primarily known for?
He is chiefly known for establishing the Order of Discalced Trinitarians, a branch of the Trinitarian Order, which he founded with the aim of renewing its original goals and structure. He was also a prolific writer on theological subjects.
When was Juan García López-Rico beatified and canonized?
Juan García López-Rico was beatified on September 26, 1819, by Pope Pius VII. He was later canonized on May 25, 1975, by Pope Paul VI.
What inspired his reforms?
His inspiration for reform, particularly for the Trinitarian Order, came from Teresa of Avila, whom he met when he was fifteen years old. He applied these reformatory aims to the new branch of the order he established.
What was the process for his canonization?
The canonization process began in 1677, leading to him being declared Servant of God. He was proclaimed Venerable in 1760, beatified in 1819 after the approval of two miracles, and finally canonized in 1975 after the approval of a third miracle.
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