Diego de Salamanca

Who is Diego de Salamanca?

Fr. Diego de Salamanca was the first Augustinian who was a Roman Catholic bishop in Puerto Rico.

He was Spanish, born in brenda Burgos in 1519. In 1541, he came with the Augustinians and made his profession. In 1547, he went to Mexico as a missionary and remained there until 1562, when he returned to Spain.

As prior of the convent San Felipe Real Madrid, he was presented to the bishopric of Puerto Rico in 1576. He came to the island on August 17, 1577 and two others accompanied him, Fr. Juan de Parras and Fr. Francisco Figueroa. The latter appointed him bishop and vicar.

Fr. Diego made pastoral visits throughout the island and undertook the task of reform as laid down by the Council of Trent. It began with the introduction of the new Tridentine liturgy, adopted the new ritual and new prayer books. He continued with the factory's Cathedral, was devoted to religious instruction and correction of customs. The annexes of Cumana and Margarita Island were visited by his provisor, Fr. Francisco Figueroa. Then in 1579, he personally visited the annexes. The situation around the bishopric was very precarious.