Jesuit Missions in Brazil

Timeline

1. 1549–1552Salvador · BahiaManuel da Nóbrega and other Jesuits arrived in Brazil with Tomé de Sousa, established the first churches and schools in Salvador, began converting indigenous Tupi-speaking peoples, and cooperated with colonial authorities to maintain order.
2. 1553–1558Brazilian coast toward São Paulo · BrazilJosé de Anchieta arrived in Brazil in 1553, systematically studied the Tupi language, and composed catechisms and poetry; while traveling on missionary journeys along the coast and inland, he mediated Portuguese-indigenous conflicts, becoming one of the most influential Jesuit missionaries in Brazil.
3. 1554–1559Piratininga (São Paulo) · São PauloIn 1554 the Jesuits founded the São Paulo mission station on the Piratininga plateau (origin of today's city of São Paulo) and expanded the college network to train mixed-race and indigenous youth. In the late 1550s the mission stations extended inland, providing manpower and religious support for subsequent bandeirante expeditions.