Blessed José de Anchieta

José de Anchieta was born in 1534 on Tenerife in the Canary Islands.  José first went to study in Portugal when he was 14 years old at the Royal College of Arts in Coimbra. Intensely religious, he felt the vocation for priesthood and sought admission in 1551 to the Jesuit College of the University of Coimbra. He entered the Jesuit Order and in 1553, when he was just nineteen years old, Anchieta was chosen to travel to the colony of Brazil.  Ordained in 1566, he served as the Superior of Communities and Principal of all missions in Brazil; work which was done with great wisdom and safety.  A highly influential figure in Brazil's history José de Anchieta is considered the first Brazilian writer. He founded both São Paulo, in 1554, and Rio de Janiero in 1565.  José de Anchieta died in 1597 whereupon he received the title of "Apostle of Brazil".

Blessed José de Anchieta, Apostle of Brazil, pray for us!