Juan Alejo de Arizmendi

Biography

Juan Alejo de Arizmendi was born in San Juan and, after years of study in the Spanish colonial clergy, he was consecrated as bishop of the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in 1805, becoming the first Puerto Rican to hold that office. He traveled across the island, administering sacraments, encouraging clergy, and remaining mindful of the cultural identity of his people during a time of slow change.

He insisted on schooling for boys and girls, supported hospitals and charitable sodalities, and kept the cathedral at the heart of the community until his death in 1814, leaving a legacy of devotion to education and the poor.