Anchieta, Jose De

Anchieta, Jose De a Jesuit, born in 1533 at Teneriffe, was from 1554 to 1558 missionary in Brazil, where he distinguished himself more than any other member of his order. He is often called the Apostle of Brazil. He had an extraordinary influence over the Indians, who, under his guidance, aided in establishing the city of Rio, and in expelling the French from the country. He is the author of a grammar of the Brazilian Indians, which is still regarded as a classic work on that subject (see Ausland, 1835, p. 650 sq.). Although a large number of miracles were reported of him, he has not yet been canonized. He died June 19, 1597. A Latin biography of him was published by Beretarius in Cologne, 1617.