BRICEÑO, ALONSO

Chilean philosopher and theologian; b. Santiago, Chile, 1587; d. Trujillo, Venezuela, Nov. 15, 1668. In January of 1605 Briceño received the Franciscan habit in Lima and soon acquired renown as a teacher of theology. He became guardian of the Franciscan convent where he had been educated, and later, definitor of the province of the Twelve Apostles, commissary and visitor of the province of San Antonio de los Charcas and of that of Chile, and finally, vicar-general. In 1636 he was sent to Spain as procurator of the province of Twelve Apostles and was named by the Holy Office to the sensitive post of censor. Between 1638 and 1642 he published in Spain two large volumes (963 and 968 folios) of interpretations of the doctrines of Duns Scotus, the first time such material was published in Europe by an American. Briceño's study Prima pars celebriorum controversiarum in Primum Sententiarum Joannis Scoti doctoris subtilis was praised for its keen penetration and understanding of Scotist thought. The first volume is an apology for Scotus's doctrines; the second treats "de scientia Dei et ideis" and mentions a companion volume on "voluntate et potentia Dei, de praedestinatione et Trinitate complectens caeteris controversias ad primum Sententiarum atinentes." In 1639 Briceño took part in the general chapter of the order at Rome, where he presided at the solemn theological convocation dedicated to Cardinal Albornoz. By special order of the minister general, he was named Lector bis jubilatus in theology. While in Rome he was also active in the beatification proceedings of Francis solano. Briseño was appointed Bishop of Nicaragua and took possession of his diocese in December of 1646. In August of 1649 he was transferred to Caracas.

[g. lohmann villena]