Francisco Antonio Maciel

Who was Francisco Antonio Maciel?

Francisco Antonio Maciel, was a Uruguayan industrialist and philanthropist of the time of the Spanish colony. He was known as the "father of the poor."

He was born into a prominent family in colonial Montevideo, originally from the Canary Islands. He built a farm on the banks of the Miguelete stream; years later send a chapel built there.

At one point he felt the urgent need for a hospital in Montevideo, and Maciel founded its the Maciel hospital, which his own resources. In 1787 it had a hall with eleven beds to help the sick. He was also founder of the Brotherhood of Charity institution.

He fought during the English invasions and died in the Cardal in battle whilst defending his city.

Maciel's name would also go down in Uruguayan history when the Maciel Chapel was named after him in December 1813.