Spanish missionary, apostle of Brazil. Born in 1534 in Laguna, Teneriffe, Canary Islands; died in 1597 in Reritigba, Brazil. He entered the Society of Jesus, 1551, and went to Brazil, 1553, where in spite of delicate health he worked among colonists and savages for 45 years. Surnamed "Thaumaturgus," on account of miracles and prophecies, it is said that he had a remarkable attraction for birds and even wild beasts. He wrote a Tupi grammar and dictionary and became rector of the College of Saint Vincent, and later Jesuit Provincial of Brazil.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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