A philosopher of the Scholastic tradition, his focus on the ultimate nature of things led him to theology. He was also a writer of spiritual poetry. While his traditional values provoked criticisms of some aspects of Mexico's modernization, he always retained a special relationship with the people. He presided over the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe, declaring, "I am Zumárraga" to draw Mexicans who have "wandered" back to the church. He joined the Academy in 1953, and many of his sermons were translated into French, Italian, and German.