Juan de Tecto facts for kids

Juan de Tecto (born in Ghent, 1468; died in Honduras, 1526) was a Flemish missionary who traveled to the New World (the Americas). He was known for his work with the native people and for learning their languages.

His Life and Work

Juan de Tecto finished his studies in Paris, earning a degree as a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). This meant he had a deep understanding of religious teachings. For several years, he taught theology at the famous Sorbonne University in Paris. Later, he became a chaplain for Emperor Charles V, who was a very powerful ruler. He also served as the guardian of a Franciscan convent in Ghent.

In 1522, Emperor Charles V, who liked Tecto very much, allowed him to go to the New World. Tecto settled in a place called Texcoco, which is now part of Mexico. There, he started missions to teach the native people about Christianity. He also took the time to learn their language, which was very important for his work.

His Journey and Death

In 1525, Juan de Tecto joined Hernán Cortés, a Spanish explorer, on an expedition to a region called Hibueras (which is now Honduras). This journey was very difficult. There was a rebellion led by Cristobal de Olid, which meant no food or supplies could be found. Tecto became very weak from hunger. He fell behind the army and was later found dead, leaning against a tree. He had died from starvation.

However, another historian named Bernal Diaz del Castillo tells a different story. According to him, Cortés sent Tecto to report to the emperor about the conquest of Hibueras. In this version, Tecto died at sea, near the coast of Spain, while on his way back.

His Writings

Juan de Tecto wrote two important books:

• Primeros rudimentos de la doctrina Cristiana en lengua Mexicana (First Basics of Christian Doctrine in the Mexican Language). This was a handwritten book that helped another missionary, Fray Pedro de Gante, write his own Catecismo Mexicano (Mexican catechism), which is a book of religious instructions.
• Apología del bautismo administrate á los gentiles Mexicanos con sola el agua y la forma Sacramental. This book defended the practice of baptizing the native Mexican people using only water and the special words of the sacrament. It is mentioned by Fray Juan de Torquemada in his book Monarquía Indiana.

See also

In Spanish: Juan de Tecto para niños