The baby was to be called Santiago, but the officiating priest thought he should be named after the patriot, Simon Maccabaeus, who had led his nation to freedom. The priest had a vision that one day this baby would lead his people to freedom also. That is the legend of how Simón José Antonio de la Santíssima Trinidad Bolivar y Palacio got his first name. The priest's vision was indeed prophetic. Simón Bolívar was to become El Libertador. He would free Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from the rule of Spain, and he would found the republic of Bolivia. This is the story of the wealthy playboy who became a dedicated revolutionist.
—from the book
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