Juan Alejo de Arizmendi
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Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi (July 17, 1760-October 12, 1814) born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a patriot and the first Puerto Rican to be consecrated Bishop.
Arizmendi studied in the convent of the Dominican Frays in San Juan. He then went to Caracas, Venezuela where he studied Canonic and Civil Law. He earned his Doctorate degree in the Dominican Republic and on July 16, 1785, he was ordinated a priest.
In 1803, the King of Spain, Carlos III, made a petition to the Catholic Church, to have Arizmendi named Bishop. On March 25, 1804 Pope Pius VII consecrated Arizmendi, Bishop of San Juan.
Upon his return to Puerto Rico, Arizmendi dedicated himself to charity. He was especially interested in helping the poor and needy. Arizmendi financially supported the Hospital of the Conception of San Juan, with money from his own pockets. During his free time, he would make castles out of straws and sell them. He would then use the money to buy clothes, food and other items for the poor. Arizmendi, took it upon himself to nurse and to take care of the sick. He was the founder of the Concellor Seminary in San Juan. In 1804, Rafael Cordero, a Puerto Rican of African ancestry who was to become known as "The Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico", received the sacrament of Confirmation from the hands of Bishop Arizmendi.
Arizmendi was also a patriot with liberal thoughts. He was a stern supporter of Ramon Power y Giralt when he was asked to represent Puerto Rico in front of the Spanish Courts in Cadiz. As a patriotic gesture, Arizmendi gave Ramon Power his episcopal ring, to remind him: to not forget the needs of his fellow countrymen when in front of the courts. For Arizmendi this was also a national symbol of Puerto Rico by joining his country and God in his heart. Arizmendi was immortalized by Jose Campeche in a painting in 1803.
Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi died in the City of Arecibo, Puerto Rico on October 12, 1814. His remains are in the Cathedral of San Juan, in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has honored Arizmendi's memory by naming schools and avenues after him. The University of Puerto Rico has an Institute of Historic Studies Juan Alejo de Arizmendi. The Church also has a medal called the "Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi Medal".
