Lizana did his religious studies at Calatayud and Zaragoza, where in 1771 he received his doctorate in canon and civil law.

His ecclesiastical administration was characterized by works of social welfare, which he pursued with diligence and honor.

Garibay did so, but when the Junta de Aranjuez became aware of his advanced age and the fact that he was a puppet of the rich merchants and the Real Audiencia, they named Archbishop Lizana to replace him on an interim basis (February 1809).

The archbishop was chosen because the Junta was aware that Catholics did not support Napoleon after the imprisonment of Pope Pius VII in 1809.

This was headed by Lieutenant José Mariano Michelena and Father Vicente de Santa María.

The conspirators proposed to the viceroy (as related by Michelena) to form a junta to govern New Spain in the name of King Ferdinand VII and to take all possible measures to extend the reign of this "august" sovereign.

Lizana found no criminal offense in the conspirators, and ordered them set free, to the great disgust of the pro-Spanish party.