Jacinto Vera was a 19th-century Uruguayan prelate who served as the inaugural bishop of Montevideo. Born at sea in 1813, he was educated by Jesuits in Buenos Aires before being ordained in 1841. Throughout his ministry, he was known for his intense missionary work and efforts to revitalize the priesthood, which occasionally led to political friction and a period of exile. Following the establishment of the Montevideo diocese in 1878, he served as its first bishop until his death in 1881.
Ministry and life
After his ordination, Vera served as the Apostolic Vicar of Montevideo. His commitment to spiritual growth led him to organize retreats for local priests, though his ecclesiastical initiatives caused conflicts with the government that resulted in a brief exile in Argentina. He later participated in the First Vatican Council and engaged in peace mediation efforts within Uruguay. He was instrumental in facilitating the arrival of the Salesians in his country.
Veneration
Recognized for his holiness, his cause for sainthood began in 1935. He was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2015. Following the approval of a miracle attributed to his intercession, he was beatified in Montevideo on May 6, 2023. He is commemorated on the anniversary of his death.