The Franciscans having scattered themselves in several fields throughout America, the prelates general decided to commission a representative under the title of comisario general, who should transact, within his jurisdiction, the important affairs of the order with the same powers as if the minister general were personally present. The jurisdiction of the comisario general of New Spain extended over the whole of Mexico, Yucatan inclusive, and Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Cuba.[1]
As the head of so large a section of a great order he possessed a power before which even the king's vicegerent was compelled to bow. This was instanced by an occurrence in 1578, exhibiting the haughtiness and presumption of one of these dignitaries, Friar Francisco de Rivera, which, but for the forbearance of Enriquez, might have been followed by a serious riot. Rivera one day visited the viceroy's palace, asking for an audience to treat on affairs of his order. The viceroy being engaged could not at once grant him the interview. The friar resented the delay as an affront to himself and his office, and spoke of it from the pulpit.[2]
The viceroy consulted the audiencia on what he deemed an insult, and an order was issued to Rivera to depart forthwith for Spain. Knowing that he must go, the friar would have yet one more fling at the viceroy. Summoning all the members of his order, he marched at their head out of Mexico for Vera Cruz, carrying a cross and chanting the psalm "In
- ↑ The comisarios generales of the order that visited Mexico were: Alonso de Rozas, 1531-3, who died and was buried in Mexico; Juan de Granada, 1533-5; Francisco de Osuna, 1535-41; Jacobo de Testera, 1541-3; Martin de Hojacastro, 1543-7; Francisco de Bustamante, 1547-50; Francisco de Mena, 1550-9; none chosen till 1561; Francisco de Bustamante, 1561-3; Juan de San Miguel, 1563; Dicgo de Olarte, 1568 — he died; Francisco de Rivera, 1569; Miguel Navarro, 1573; Rodrigo de Sequera, 1576; Pedro de Oroz, 1582; Alonso Ponce, 1584; Bernardino de San Cebrian, 1589; Pedro de Pila, 1595; Diego Mufioz, and Diego Caro, who died in a short while. Mendieta, Hist. Ecles., 543-5; Torquemada, iii. 374-6, 460-1.
- ↑ 'En Palacio todo se iguala, y no ai diferencia de lo Secular á lo Eclesiastico.' Father Torquemada, i. 647-8, in describing this incident, naturally makes out a case for his Franciscan brother, whom he considers justly offended. Rivera after his recall, retired to his province, San Miguel, and never again held office.
