Blessed Mamerto Esquiú
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| Blessed Mamerto Esquiú | |
| Feast Day | January 10 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Argentina (in contexts of unity and peace), constitutional values, preachers, poor (unofficial popular devotion) |
| Birthplace | Piedra Blanca, Catamarca, Argentina |
| Death Place | Posta de El Suncho, Catamarca, Argentina |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (sudden illness during pastoral travel) |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral Basilica of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina (relics) |
Blessed Mamerto Esquiú, born Mamerto de la Ascensión Esquiú Medina, was an Argentine Franciscan friar, renowned preacher, patriot, and Bishop of Córdoba. According to historical records from Franciscan and diocesan sources, he was born on May 11, 1826, in Piedra Blanca (near Catamarca), Argentina, to Santiago Esquiú (a Catalan former soldier) and María de las Nieves Medina. His mother, a devotee of Saint Francis of Assisi, dressed him in the Franciscan habit from age five after a childhood illness recovery vow. He entered the Franciscan novitiate in Catamarca in 1841 and professed vows on July 14, 1842.
Evidence from Church biographies and his own writings indicates Esquiú was ordained a priest in 1848 and became a celebrated orator, notably delivering the "Sermon of the Constitution" on July 9, 1853, in Catamarca's cathedral, advocating unity and peace under the 1853 Argentine Constitution amid civil strife. He served in political roles as a deputy and council member in Catamarca, promoted education and Franciscan common life, and refused high ecclesiastical appointments (e.g., Archbishop of Buenos Aires) before accepting Bishop of Córdoba in 1880 under obedience to Pope Leo XIII, stating "If the Pope wants it, God wants it." He traveled to Rome, Jerusalem (1876–1877), and other places, preaching effectively and aiding the poor. He died on January 10, 1883, in El Suncho posta during a pastoral journey, at age 56. His cause advanced under Popes Paul VI, Benedict XVI, and Francis; beatified on September 4, 2021, in Piedra Blanca by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro (on behalf of Pope Francis). As of January 19, 2026, he remains Blessed, with his feast on January 10 or May 11 in some calendars. This reflects established Catholic tradition, but consult primary Church sources (such as Vatican documents or Franciscan archives) for specific details.
Biography
Birth
According to biographical records from Franciscan sources and diocesan archives, Blessed Mamerto Esquiú was born on May 11, 1826, in Piedra Blanca, Catamarca Province, Argentina.[1] He was named Mamerto de la Ascensión in honor of Saint Mamertus (feast coinciding) and the Ascension.
Evidence suggests his humble, devout family background fostered early piety, with his mother vowing the Franciscan habit for his recovery from infancy illness.
Early Life
Esquiú entered the Franciscan convent school in Catamarca around 1835 for studies with his brother.[2] At age 15, he began novitiate in 1841 and professed on July 14, 1842.
Historical accounts note his talent in studies and devotion to Saint Francis, though some childhood details derive from family tradition.
Occupation
Before priesthood, Esquiú focused on Franciscan formation and teaching. Ordained in 1848, he preached extensively and held roles like deputy in Catamarca's government.[3]
He promoted education, common Franciscan life, and published in Catholic press.
Vocation
Esquiú's vocation centered on Franciscan poverty, preaching for unity, and pastoral service. He accepted bishopric reluctantly in 1880 after papal insistence.[4]
Hagiographic tradition holds his obedience and patriotism as exemplary, but internal motivations remain partly unavailable.
Death
Blessed Mamerto Esquiú met his end suddenly on January 10, 1883, in El Suncho posta during a pastoral visit from La Rioja to Córdoba.[5]
Historical accounts note an autopsy due to poisoning suspicions (unconfirmed), reflecting his controversial stances.
Significant events
- Born May 11, 1826, in Piedra Blanca.
- Entered Franciscan novitiate 1841; professed July 14, 1842.
- Ordained priest 1848.
- Delivered famous "Sermon of the Constitution" July 9, 1853.
- Served as deputy and council member in Catamarca.
- Pilgrimage to Holy Land 1876–1877.
- Consecrated Bishop of Córdoba December 12, 1880.
- Died January 10, 1883, in El Suncho.
- Declared Venerable December 16, 2006.
- Beatified September 4, 2021.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Piedra Blanca, Catamarca, Argentina
Death location: Posta de El Suncho, Catamarca, Argentina
Notable location: Novitiate, profession, and early ministry (Convent of the Friars Minor, Catamarca, Argentina)
Notable location: Missionary service and preaching (Convent of St. Francis, Sucre, Bolivia)
Notable location: Pilgrimage and residence 1876-1877 (St. Saviour’s Convent, Jerusalem, Holy Land)
Notable location: Episcopal see and burial site (Cathedral of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina)
Notable location:
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List of shrines
Cathedral Basilica of Córdoba
- The Cathedral Basilica in Córdoba, Argentina, houses Blessed Esquiú's remains and serves as primary veneration site. Designated by the diocese for pilgrimage, it features relics and Masses in his honor, qualifying under Canon 1230.
- Pilgrimage details: Córdoba, annual commemorations January 10; Diocese of Córdoba.
- Fact: Esquiú served as bishop here from 1880–1883.
Shrine/Church in Piedra Blanca (birthplace area)
- In Piedra Blanca, Catamarca, this site (often the parish church) commemorates his birth and early life. Bishop-approved for devotion and pilgrimages.
- Pilgrimage details: Piedra Blanca, beatification site; Diocese of Catamarca.
- Fact: Birthplace and location of 2021 beatification ceremony.
Convent of St. Francis, Catamarca
- The Franciscan convent in Catamarca marks his novitiate and early ministry. It serves as a devotional center with relics.
- Pilgrimage details: Catamarca, Franciscan events; Diocese of Catamarca.
- Fact: Site of profession and formation.
St. Saviour’s Convent, Jerusalem
- In Jerusalem's Old City, this Franciscan convent commemorates his 1876–1877 pilgrimage. Designated for veneration by the Custody.
- Pilgrimage details: Jerusalem, Franciscan pilgrim site; Custody of the Holy Land.
- Fact: He preached Good Friday 1877 to thousands.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process began under Pope Paul VI on April 13, 1978, with the initial investigation in the Diocese of Córdoba.
Venerable
Declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on December 16, 2006, for heroic virtue.
Beatification
Beatified on September 4, 2021, by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro (delegated by Pope Francis) after confirmation of a miracle: healing of a newborn girl from severe femoral osteomyelitis in 2016 (diocese of Tucumán).[6]
Miracles
- Healings attributed to intercession, per reports.
Miracle for beatification
According to verified Vatican records, a newborn in Tucumán suffered grave femoral osteomyelitis in 2016. After intercession prayers to Esquiú, she recovered fully, deemed medically inexplicable by experts.[7]
This enabled beatification.
Miracle for canonization
No second miracle authenticated as of January 19, 2026; remains Blessed.
Other notable miracles
- Numerous graces reported (up to 300 claimed in tradition), though unverified beyond beatification miracle.
Patronage
Blessed Mamerto Esquiú is patron in popular devotion of Argentina's unity, constitutional values, preachers, and the poor (unofficial).
Feast day
January 10
Veneration
Blessed Mamerto Esquiú is venerated through pilgrimages to Córdoba Cathedral and Catamarca sites, novenas, and Masses honoring his preaching and patriotism. Relics are kept in Córdoba Cathedral.
He has been depicted in statues, paintings, and icons as a Franciscan bishop. Shrines influence celebrations of Argentine Catholic history and fraternity.
Books
Written about the saint
- Biographies from Franciscan presses, e.g., works on his sermons and life by Argentine scholars.
Written by the saint
- Sermons and diaries preserved in archives (e.g., pilgrimage notes).
External links
- Mamerto Esquiú - Wikipedia
- Beatification - OFM
- Vatican News on Beatification
- Blessed Mamerto Esquiú y Medina - CatholicSaints.Info