Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio – Patron of Travelers

Rebroadcast of the long-running radio program, "The Ave Maria Hour," a presentation of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. www.AtonementFriars.org

Sebastian de Aparicio y del Pardo, OFM (1502 – 1600) was born in Spain and moved to Mexico in 1533. His background in ranching led him to work rounding up wild cattle, and he became known as the first Mexican cowboy, or charro. His experience moving cattle made him realize that Mexico needed a road system. He constructed highways from Veracruz to Puebla, Zacatecas, Mexico City, and other places.

After a lifetime of successful work as a rancher and road builder, Sebastian gave all his wealth and possessions to the poor and entered the Order of Friars Minor as a lay brother at the age of 72. He spent the next 26 years of his life as a beggar for the Order and had a reputation for great holiness.

Sebastian died at the age of 98. He was beatified by Pope Pius VI in 1789 and is known as a patron of travelers. His feast day is celebrated on February 25.