Have you ever heard the name Fray Tomás de Berlanga? No?
It’s time you met the man who discovered the Galápagos Islands, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world—but didn’t get famous for it.
Fray Tomás de Berlanga was no typical adventurer—he was a Dominican friar. Born in 1487 in Berlanga, Spain, he entered the Dominican Order and rose to prominence through his humble missionary heart and his tireless work in spreading the Gospel in the New World.
Appointed the fourth bishop of Panama in 1534, his role was primarily ecclesiastical, focused on serving the spiritual needs of the people. Amidst his duties, he was tasked with mediating a political dispute between the Spanish crown and the unruly Francisco Pizarro in Peru.
But his journey took an unexpected turn when strong currents pushed his ship off course. Running low on water and food, Berlanga and his sailors found themselves drifting helplessly in the Pacific.
On March 10th, 1535, after days of uncertainty, they stumbled upon a cluster of volcanic islands. The land was desolate, barren, and seemingly lifeless—an inhospitable sight for a crew in desperate need of resources. These islands were the Galápagos, though they were yet to be named, and Berlanga was the first European to set foot on them.
Berlanga’s description of the islands in his letter to Emperor Charles V provides a vivid account of the crew’s struggle. The land was stark, with jagged lava rocks and little greenery. Water was a precious commodity, and the crew, parched and exhausted, found none immediately.
After wandering in search of sustenance, they began digging into the dry, unforgiving earth. When they struck fresh water, Berlanga knew that it was God’s hand that had led them there and provided for their safety through this nearly miraculous water reserve.
Though the landscape was harsh, Berlanga also marveled at the unusual creatures he encountered. He described the giant tortoises, with their slow, lumbering gait, and the curious marine iguanas, which were unlike anything he had ever seen. He didn’t fully grasp the ecological uniqueness of the islands, but his observations were some of the first written records of the Galápagos’ distinct wildlife.
Berlanga had never intended to become a famous explorer. Yet here he was, guided by Providence to one of the most remarkable bits of land on Earth.
Berlanga never returned to the islands, nor did he capitalize on his discovery. He documented the experience in letters to the Emperor, but the Galápagos remained largely forgotten by Spain for centuries.
May Berlanga’s life and journey remind us of God’s constant providential hand and may the marvels of the Galápagos remind us of His beautiful design over the whole earth.
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