Dominic de Salazar was appointed the Bishop of Manila in 1579 and was one of the first Dominicans to arrive in the Philippines.

DOMINIC DE SALAZAR

Dominic de Salazar was born in La Rioja, Spain. After receiving the priesthood in 1546 he was sent to Mexico in 1553.

After forty years of missionary life, he was sent to Madrid on important business connected with the Mexican mission. Political enemies tried to thwart his work and succeeded in having him thrown into prison when he sought audience of the King. It was then that his presence in Madrid was brought to the attention of Philip, who proposed his name to the Pope as Bishop of the Philippines.

He set out on 8 June 1580 travelling via Acapulco, taking with him twenty Dominicans, twelve of whom died before reaching Mexico. Only Dominic and Juan Crisostomo were able to continue the journey to the Philippines arriving in Manila on 17 September 1581.

De Salazar was nominated for Archbishop of Manila but he died in Madrid, before receiving the Bulls of his appointment from the Pope.

1512

to 4 December 1594