Salmeron, Alphonso

Salmeron, Alphonso, one of the original six who associated themselves with Loyola in founding the Society of Jesus. He was born at Toledo in 1515. Having learned the ancient languages at Alcala. he repaired to the University of Paris to study philosophy and theology. There he became attached to Loyola, and was soon one of his most zealous and efficient disciples. Subsequently he visited Italy, and promoted the cause of the new order by enthusiastic public labors of every kind. His talent for controversy was of a high order. The pope rewarded his zeal by conferring on him the title of Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland. He was charged by the popes Paul III, Julius IlI, and Pins IV with the function of papal theologian and orator at the Council of Trent. In cooperation with Lainez, he prepared a statement of the so called erroneous teachings of the Reformers, accompanying each one with citations from the fathers, popes, and councils which refuted and condemned them. After the Council of Trent he returned to Italy, and retired into the college which he had founded at Naples. There, as president of the provincial section of his order in Naples, he closed his days, in 1585, combating all forms of heresy, and preparing his extensive commentary on the Bible. His works were published, in sixteen volumes folio, at Madrid, Mantua, Brixen, and Cologne (1597-1612). Some of the titles of the separate volumes are, Prolegomenon in Universam Scripturama: — De Incarnatione Verbi: — De Sermone Domini in Monte: — De Christi Miraculis: — De Passione et Morte Domini: — De Resurrectione et Ascensione Domini. See Herzog, Real-Encyklop. 13, 331. (J.P.L.)