Page:Catholic Encyclopedia, volume 14.djvu/830

 TOLEDO

756

TOLEDO

Eulogius, the noble martyr of C6rdova (859), to whom are attributed various Latin treatises, was elected to the see but never took possession of it; Bonitus (862 or 66) wrote an apologetic work in defence of the Abbot Samson. Among the arch- bishops of the Mozarabic period Ehpandus (783- 808) is a notable exception to the rest, apostatizing, and embracing and propagating Nestorianism.

With the reconquest of Toledo in 1085 by Alfonso VI of Castile, the diocese entered upon a new and more prosperous era, favoured as it was by donations and privileges not only of the Castilian sovereigns, but of

Doorway of the Hospital of S. Cruz, Toledo Enrique de Egaa, 1514

other potentates and of all social classes. It was thus that it reached that height of power and splen- dour which made it the envy of all the churches of the kingdom, and which enabled it to contribute such large suras to all national enterprises, to the erection of notable monuments, to the succour of the needy, and to the general diffusion of learning and culture. The first bishop of this period was the Frenchman, Bernard, a Cluniac monk and Abbot of Sahagun (1086-1124), in whose time the principal church of Toledo was once more restored to Catholic worship, and Urban II by a Bull (1088) expressly conferred on Toledo the dignity of primacy over the churches of Spain, a declaration which, however, did not prevent the other churches from disputing with Toledo this high distinction. It was during the pontificate of Urban II that the Roman Rite was substituted for the ancient Isidorian or Mozarabic Rite (1089). Archbishop Rodrigo Jimenez de Rada (1210-47) is one of the most notable figures of his time; a statesman, coimsellor of kings, strenuous warrior, and a learned writer, he conferred innumerable services on the Church and the State. He assisted at the greal battle of Las Navas de Tolosa; aimexed the village of Qiicsada and tlic district of Cazorhi to the diocese; conmicnci'il the building of IIk- cathedral at Toledo, which is still in existence; deft-ndeil and con- solidated the primacy of his see; and contributed to the foundation of the first general schools (Esludios

generales). Rodrigo began a great historic work, bas- ing it on Christian and Arabic sources, completing the plan with the section called " De RebusHispaniae", last and best of his historical works. Gil de Albor- noz (1339-50), cardinal, was a great statesman and warrior, and founder of a famous college for Spaniards at the University of Bologna, which produced many celebrated men.

Pedro Tenorio (1376-99), an enterprising and ener- getic man, was very influential during the reigns of Henry II, John I, and Henry III; he restored buildings and works of public utility at his own exTjense, and founded the Hospital of Villafranca del Puente, which is still in existence and in active use. Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza (1483-95), called el gran cardenal de Espana, was of noble lineage and the counsellor of the Catholic sovereigns; he displayed a princely prodiga- lity in the many works which he undertook and com- pleted. Among these may be mentioned the Colegio Mayor of Valladolid and the Hospital of Santa Cruz for foundlings. His successor. Fray Francisco Ximenez deCisneros (1495-1517), is perhaps the most illustrious of all the prelates of Toledo, and at the same time one of the most prominent figures in the history of Spain. In him were united ciualities rarely found combined, for he was a learned and saintly religious, an austere and energetic reformer, a con- (lueror and statesman, the father of the poor, and the Miecenas of Spanish arts and letters. Among the I itles conferred on him were Cardinal of Sta. Balbina, iimfessor of Isabella the Catholic, inquisitor-general, and regent of the kingdom. The Church, humanity, and his diocese found in him a protector and bene- factor. He extended the limits of the Diocese of Toledo to Africa, adding Oran and its territory, which lie personally and at his own expense conquered (1.509). Only some of the many works which he accomplished can be mentioned: among these being t lie foundation of the University of Alcala de Henares; I lie printing of the Complutensian Polyglot Bible; the foundation of the library of the cathedral of Toledo; and the restoration of the Mozarabic Rite in a private chapel. Several monasteries owe their foundation to him, as well as the College of San Juan de la Peni- tencia at Toledo for the education of virtuous orphan girls, and three public wheat gi-anaries for the benefit of poor labourers at Toledo, Alcald, and Torrelaguna (his native place).

Some of the archbishops who succeeded Cisneros were distinguished for the liberality with which they promoted the arts, filling the cathedral of Toledo with priceless works of art, the glory of the Spanish Renaissance. Alonso de Fonscca (1524-34) gave during his lifetime to the chapter of Toledo an annual income of 400,000 maravedis to be devoted to providing marriage portions for poor girls; Juan Tavera (1534-45), cardinal, distinguished prelate, and statesman, founded the general Hospital of San Juan Bautista, outside the walls of Toledo; Juan Martinez Guijeno, better known under the latinized form of his name, Sificius (1546-57). cardinal, ardent patriot, and generous pro- tector of the needy, founded at Toledo the College of Nuestra Seiiora de los Remedios (commonly known as the Coleqin de Doncellas nobh-x), an important insti- tution which is still in existence; the Colegio de Infantes, where the choir boys of the cathedral are educated and instructed; and the Monasterio de Reco- gidas, which he endowed and founded in the ancient synagogue of St. Maria la Rlanca. The Dominican archbishop, R.artolonie Carranza de Miranda (15,59- 1576), learned theologian and canonist, was the author of the "Siuna Concilionnii omnium" published at Venice (1.573). Notwithstanding his learning .and virtue, he was suspected of heresy, examined befoi^e thelnquisition, and eventually acquitted. The learned and pious Garcia de Loaysa Gir6n (1598-99), stren-