José Julián de Aranguren

Known as hard-working and economical, the Spanish prelate demonstrated great piety, empathy, and a terrific work ethic, qualities that inspired people to name churches and towns after him and after his natal hometown.

José Julián de Aranguren was born in Barasoain, a small, picturesque town which is located within the historical lands of the Basque Country.

At 17, young José left Valle de Orba and began his studies in Zaragoza University where he pursued philosophy (logic, metaphysics, and ethics) and science (physics, chemistry, and mathematics).

Once he obtained his diploma as professor of sacred theology, he took on the task of discipling and forming young aspirants to the religious life, a work that had to be interrupted in April 1829 when he was sent on a mission to the Philippines.

Upon his arrival in Manila on 2 October 1829, the young priest began to teach theology classes in the Recollect Convent of San Nicolas Friary in Intramuros.

Shortly after this, in May 1831, he left the cathedral to study Tagalog with the parishioners of Taguig, Rizal, and in three months of practice and execution of the Catholic mission, he started serving in Capas and Patling, in the province of Tarlac.

He had to resign from this last position because on November 13, 1845, Isabel II, the Queen of Spain, nominated him to the post of Archbishop of Manila, and in a secret consistory dated January 9, 1846, Pope Pius IX signed his appointment.

In 1802, one year after Jose Aranguren was born, Ferdinand VII, aged 18, married his cousin Maria Antonieta of Naples and Sicily.

[2] His episcopal lineage can be traced as far back to Cardinal Scipione Rebiba, Titular Patriarch of Constantinople consecrated in December 8, 1565.

Along with this bank, Archbishop Aranguren also erected a statue for Queen Isabel II of Spain inside the walls of Intramuros, the Bridge of Queen Isabel II in Imus Cavite which is an archbridge made of stone, and in 1856, he led the creation of the province of Isabella in the Philippines, initially called Isabela de Luzon.

Archbishop Aranguren was instrumental in inviting the Carmelite Sisters of Charity to Manila out of his concern for ill people and for the education of the youth.

Among his achievements, Archbishop Aranguren was, for the most part, credited with upholding the integrity of the native secular clergy in the Philippines by defending their rights and interests.