A portrait of St. Joseph of Anchieta
St. Joseph of Anchieta
March 19, 1534 – June 9, 1597
Feast
June 9 · XVI c.
Patron of
Brazil · The Society of Jesus · Latin American missions
Order
Priest / Jesuit / Missionary
Spanish-born Jesuit, poet, and missionary, called the 'Apostle of Brazil.' Co-founder of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, he composed the first Tupí-language grammar, wrote sacred plays in three languages to evangelize the indigenous peoples, and labored for forty-four years among them. His missionary methods, marrying European faith to native cultures, made him one of the founding figures of Brazilian civilization.
Life & Times
Also known as: José de Anchieta; Apostle of Brazil · Born: March 19, 1534 · Died: June 9, 1597 · From: San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife; Coimbra, Portugal; Brazil.
Patronage
St. Joseph of Anchieta is invoked as the patron of brazil, the society of jesus, latin american missions. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I would rather suffer all the pains of hell, with the consolation of doing God's will, than enjoy all the delights of heaven against his will.”— St. Joseph of Anchieta (traditionally attributed)
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Devotional items honoring St. Joseph of Anchieta, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Joseph of Anchieta, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.