Simón de Rojas
Simón de Rojas was a Spanish Trinitarian priest and theologian known as the "Apostle of the Ave Maria" for his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a spiritual writer, a benefactor of the poor, and founded the Congregation of the Slaves of Mary. He is remembered for his intense Marian devotion and his efforts to spread the "Ave Maria" greeting and rosaries.
- Feast Day
- September 29
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Born October 28, 1552, in Valladolid, Spain, he was cured of a speech impediment through devotion to the Virgin Mary, with his first words being "Ave Maria".
- ›He entered the Trinitarian Order at age twelve, made his religious profession in 1572, and was ordained a priest in 1577.
- ›Rojas taught philosophy and theology and served as a superior and apostolic visitor within his order.
- ›He founded the Congregation of the Slaves of Mary, dedicated to honoring Mary and serving the poor.
- ›He served as confessor to Queen Margaret of Austria and tutor to the royal princes, and later confessor to Queen Isabel of Borbon.
- ›He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on July 3, 1988.
Apostle of the Ave Maria
Ave Maria Inscription
About Simón de Rojas
Simón de Rojas (1552–1624) was a Spanish priest of the Trinitarian Order, deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, for which he was known as the "Apostle of the Ave Maria." A man of varied talents, Rojas was a theologian and a spiritual writer, also dedicating himself as a friend and benefactor to the poor.
Life and Ministry
Born in Valladolid, Spain, on October 28, 1552, Rojas experienced a childhood marked by piety. His early life was touched by a miraculous cure from a speech impediment through his devotion to Mary, with his first words being "Ave Maria." At twelve, he entered the Trinitarian monastery in Valladolid, making his religious profession on his twentieth birthday in 1572. He pursued higher studies at the University of Salamanca from 1573 to 1579, during which time he was ordained a priest in 1577.
Rojas served as a professor of philosophy and theology in Toledo from 1581 to 1587. For the remainder of his life, he held leadership positions in various monasteries within his province and conducted apostolic visitations. His greatest joy was found in visiting Marian shrines, praying to and with Mary, and emulating her virtues. Through his theological studies, he came to understand Mary's role in salvation and the sanctification of the Church.
Devotion and Foundation
Simón de Rojas lived his religious vows in imitation of Mary, believing that complete dedication to God, as Mary exemplified, required becoming "slaves of God in Mary." This conviction led him to establish the Congregation of the Slaves of Mary for the glory of the Trinity and in praise of the Virgin, serving the poor. He viewed this dedication as a total belonging to Mary, a "Totus tuus," to unite oneself more intimately with Christ.
During his service to Queen Margaret of Austria as confessor, he was present during her critical illness after childbirth in 1611. He famously greeted her with "Ave Maria, Señora," after which she regained consciousness and responded, "Gratia plena, Padre Rojas," enabling her to receive the sacraments before her death. On April 14, 1612, he founded the Congregation of the Slaves of the Sweet Name of Mary.
Later Life and Influence
In 1619, Rojas was appointed tutor to the royal princes and, on May 12, 1621, was elected provincial of Castilla, accepting these roles only if he could continue his work with the poor and remain faithful to his Trinitarian charism. While working at court, he had thousands of "Ave Maria" images printed and distributed, even abroad. He also commissioned rosaries symbolizing the Assumption and Immaculate Conception, and ensured the "Ave Maria" greeting was engraved in gold on the facade of the royal palace in Madrid.
Later, in 1622, he became confessor to Queen Isabel of Borbon. On June 5, 1622, he petitioned the Holy See for the approval of his liturgical text honoring the Sweet Name of Mary, which was later extended to the entire Catholic Church by Pope Innocent XI. He died in Madrid on September 29, 1624.
Legacy and Recognition
Following his death, the honors at his funeral suggested an anticipated canonization. His heroic virtues were recognized by Pope Clement XII on March 25, 1735, and he was beatified by Pope Clement XIII on March 19, 1766. Simón de Rojas was finally canonized by Pope John Paul II on July 3, 1988.
Rojas is often depicted with the "Ave Maria" greeting on his lips. The congregation he founded continues its mission in Spain, dedicated to offering maternal help to the poor. He is considered one of the great contemplatives of his time, advocating for the integration of contemplative prayer with active works of mercy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Simón de Rojas?
Simón de Rojas was a Spanish Trinitarian priest, theologian, and spiritual writer known for his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. He was also a benefactor to the poor and founded a religious congregation.
Why is he called the "Apostle of the Ave Maria"?
He earned this title due to his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his lifelong promotion of the "Ave Maria" greeting. His first words were "Ave Maria," and he had the greeting engraved on the royal palace in Madrid and distributed widely.
What congregation did Simón de Rojas found?
He founded the Congregation of the Slaves of Mary, later known as the Congregation of the Slaves of the Sweet Name of Mary. This congregation was intended for lay people dedicated to honoring Mary and assisting the poor.
When was Simón de Rojas canonized?
Simón de Rojas was canonized by Pope John Paul II on July 3, 1988, just before the close of the Marian Year.
What was his connection to the Spanish royal family?
Rojas served as the confessor to Queen Margaret of Austria and later to Queen Isabel of Borbon. He was also appointed tutor to the royal princes, accepting these roles on the condition that he could continue his work with the poor.
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