On March 23, the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, celebrated the feast day of St. Turibius, who is recognized for his commitment to fighting for the rights of native peoples.

"Let's pray today through the intercession of St. Turibius, for native peoples to be treated with respect in accordance with their human dignity, for all Latin American bishops, and for us as we continue our Lenten journey—that we would grow closer to Our Blessed Mother and have his deep love for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (the 3 pillars of Lent!)," the diocese posted on Facebook recently. "St. Turibius, pray for us!"

St. Turibius was born in Spain in 1538, a report by Franciscan Media said. He was known to be a brilliant law scholar, and he spent time working as a professor at the University of Salamanca. He later served as chief judge of the Inquisition at Granada. 

King Philip II eventually appointed Turibius as the new Archbishop of Lima, Peru; a report by Saints Resource said. Turibius turned down the appointment, making the case that he was not even a priest, let alone a bishop. But that was not enough to deter the king, who saw to it that Turibius was ordained and sent on his mission. 

After his arrival in Peru, Turibius saw that Spanish settlers had enslaved the native people, Saints Resource said. He made it a goal to travel across the country and visit every parish. That often required Turbius to travel by foot and sleep on dirt floors, but ministering to the poor and listening to their needs took priority. He supervised the construction of new churches as well as Peru's first seminary.

Turibius died on March 23, 1606; a report by Catholic Saints said. In 1726, Pope Benedict XIII canonized him. Turibius is the patron saint of Peru, native rights and Latin American bishops; and his feast day is celebrated yearly on the anniversary of his passing.