Bernardo Buil facts for kids
Bernat Boïl was a Spanish monk or friar. He is also known as Fray Buil. He traveled with Christopher Columbus on his second trip across the Atlantic Ocean. On January 6, 1494, Fray Buil held the first Christian religious service in the New World. This happened in a temporary church on La Isabela, a settlement in the Americas.
Fray Buil later returned from the Americas. He had some disagreements with Columbus. His efforts to spread Christianity there did not have a big impact.
Who Was Bernat Boïl?
There has been some confusion about Bernat Boïl's background. Some historical accounts say he was a Franciscan monk. Others suggest he was a Benedictine monk. There is also a view that he belonged to the Minim religious order.
What is clear is that he was chosen for an important role. Pope Alexander VI appointed him as the first religious leader for the New World. This meant he was in charge of spreading Christianity in the newly discovered lands.
Voyage to the New World
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Bernat Boïl joined Columbus's second expedition in 1493. About twelve other missionaries also went with them. Their goal was to bring Christianity to the native people of the Americas.
On January 6, 1494, Fray Buil led the first Christian service in the New World. This important event took place in a simple church built in La Isabela.
During his time there, Fray Buil had strong disagreements with Columbus. He believed that the Taíno leader, Guacanagaríx, should face severe punishment. Fray Buil later returned to Spain. He was one of the people who reported that Columbus was too harsh and inconsistent in his leadership. After his return, Fray Buil continued his work as a diplomat.
A book about Bernat Boïl and the Benedictine mission was written later. It was published in 1621 by a Benedictine abbot named Caspar Plautius. The book was called Nova typis transacta navigatio novi orbis Indiæ occidentalis. It included some fictional parts and interesting pictures.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardo Boyl para niños
