The Catholic Church In Brazil (1450 - 1800)

First Jesuit In Brazil

Mar 29, 1549

Jesuit Manoel da Nobrega is part of de Sousa's landing party, the Jesuits being dispatched on a mission to convert the Natives and keep the colonists on their best behavior.

First Jesuit Missionaries Arrive

Jun 14, 1549

First Diocese In Brazil

Oct 13, 1551

The Church establishes the first diocese in the colony of Brazil, beginning a centuries long relationship that continues to this day with Brazil holding the largest number of dioceses of any country in the world.

Bishop Shipwrecked, Eaten

Jun 16, 1556

Varying accounts of by who but Bishop Dom Pedro Fernandez Sardinha was certainly eaten by someone after being shipwrecked near the mouths of the Sao Francisco and Cururipu rivers.

Edict Bans Maranos

Jun 20, 1567

In the spirit of the Inquisition which was aflame at this time, the first of two edicts outlawing 'Maranos', or Jews suspected of faking a conversion to Catholicism, is issued. Varying levels of enforcement of the Inquisition continued until 1821.

Holy Inquisition Visits Brazil

Jan 1, 1591

First Mission Established

Dec 29, 1609

Mission San Ignazio Guazu is established by Jesuits near the Rio Parana.

Jesuits Get Permission To Seek Out Indians For Missions

Sep 1, 1655

Dom Jao V Orders Priests Be Paid 200$000 Reis Annually

Jan 1, 1718