(1582-1657) Naturalist, born Lopera, Spain; died Lima, Peru. He was successively rector of the Jesuit colleges of Arequipa, Pisco, and Callao. From 1630-1650 he was in Mexico as a missionary. His long residence in Spanish America equipped him with full and reliable information as to its natural features and inhabitants, and he may be considered the foremost authority on the subject in the 17th century. His "History of the New World," until recently neglected, is invaluable from a historical and scientific viewpoint.
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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