Francia, José Gaspar Rodríguez

Francia, José Gaspar Rodríguez, 1766-1840, dictator of Paraguay and creator of its national independence, known as El Supremo. Incorruptible and of superior cultural attainments for his epoch, he took part in the bloodless revolution against Spain (1811), was first consul, declared himself dictator in 1814, and ruled until his death. He limited the power of the church and kept the aristocracy in subjection. He was harsh with his enemies and intransigent with foreigners. Cutting off Paraguay from the rest of the world and limiting trade to his personal supervision, he gained international ill will but effectively stimulated the growth of local industry and agriculture.

Bishop José Maximino Eusebio Domínguez y Rodríguez (29 May 1915 in Havana, Cuba - 11 December 1986 in Matanzas, Cuba) was Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Matanzas (1961-1987) and Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Havana (1960-1961).

His parents were Juan Domínguez and Trinidad Rodríguez. He was baptized at the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad (Our Lady of Charity) in Havana.

Bishop Dominguez studied philosophy at San Carlos and San Ambrosio Seminary and theology at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy.

He was ordained a priest on June 13, 1943 by the Archbishop of Havana Mons. Manuel Arteaga y Betancourt, in the Church of Espíritu Santo (Holy Spirit). He was named “camarero secreto supernumerario” by Pope Pius XII on October 7, 1950.

Bishop Dominguez was appointed Titular Bishop of Caeciri and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Havana by Pope John XXIII on March 31, 1960. He was ordained a bishop on May 15, 1960 in the Cathedral of Havana along with Mons. Eduardo Boza-Masvidal by Mons. Evelio Díaz-Cía, Titular Archbishop of Petra di Palestina, co-adjutor sedis datus of Havana, assisted by Mons. Carlos Riu Anglés, Bishop of the Diocese of Camagüey(now Archdiocese of Camagüey), and Mons. Alfredo Muller y San Martín, Titular Bishop of Anea and Apostalic Administrator “sede vacante” of the Diocese of Cienfuegos. He was later appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Matanzas on July 18, 1961. He participated in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

Bishop Dominguez died of a heart attack after an operation on December 11, 1986.

References

• Episcopologio de la Iglesia Católica en Cuba bio
• Catholic Hierarchy bio