Tomás Gargallo Explained

Type:Bishop
Honorific-Prefix:His Excellency
Tomás Gargallo
Honorific-Suffix:O.S.Io.Hieros.
Bishop of Malta
Diocese:Malta
Appointed:11 August 1578
Term:1578–1614
Predecessor:Martín Rojas de Portalrubio
Successor:Baldassare Cagliares
Consecration:1578
Rank:Bishop
Birth Date:1536
Death Date:10 August 1614
Partner:-->

Tomás Gargallo (1536 – 10 June 1614) was a Spanish Roman Catholic prelate who became the Bishop of Malta in 1578.

Biography

Gargallo was born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1536. Gargallo was appointed as Bishop of Malta by Pope Gregory XIII on 11 August 1578. He was consecrated bishop in Palermo. Whilst in Malta, Gargallo ruled with fear, to the point where no one dared to stand up to him. Consequently, there were clashes with the Inquisition in Malta and he was suspended by Inquisitor Cefalotto in 1582, as a result of his harsh rule. Gargallo also experienced financial difficulties whilst Bishop of Malta. Gargallo welcomed the newly formed order of the Jesuits to Malta. He also established a number of parishes, notably, St Paul's parish, St Dominic's parish and Our Lady of Damascus Greek Catholic parish, all in Valletta. He also established the parishes of Senglea, Cospicua, Kirkop, Safi, Mqabba, Lija, Mosta, Gharghur, and Tarxien. Gargallo died on 10 June 1614 after an episcopate of 36 years.[1] [2]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bgargal.html "Bishop Tomás Gargal (Gargallo), O.S.Io.Hieros."
  2. Book: Bonnici. Alexander. Schiavone. Michael J.. 2007. Minn Publju sa Pawlu: L-Isqfijiet ta' Malta, ta' Ghawdex, u Isqfijiet Ohra Maltin. From Publius to Paul: The Bishops of Malta, Gozo, and Other Maltese Bishops. 11. Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza. Pieta. mt. ((978-99932-41-91-08-4)). 254299827.