António de Andrade

Father António de Andrade (1580 – March 19, 1634), was a Jesuit priest from Portugal. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1596. From 1600 to 1624 he was the chief missionary in the Indies. [ [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01468d.htm Antonio de Andrada] - "Catholic Encyclopedia" article]

He was born in Oleiros, Portugal. In 1600 he went to India with 18 Jesuits more. In 1624 he left Agra headed to Delhi where he heard about a fantastic temple named Badre located 40 days from India. Following pilgrims he and his brother Manuel Marques were the first Europeans reaching Tibet, when they crossed the Himalayas through the Mana Pass.

Kindly received in Tibet by the sovereign of Guge, Andrade returned to Agra for other workers like himself, and on his return to Tibet established a missionary center at Chaparangue. The royal family of Guge was soon attacked and killed by the ruler of Ladakh, who did not approve of the king's tolerance of the Christians.

Recalled to Goa, India, to act as superior of the Indies, he died there, after being poisoned.Andrade had given in letters to his superiors and others a graphic and accurate account of his discoveries and labours. These have been published in Spanish and French and are incorporated in the works of P.J. Darde, S.J., "Histoire de ce qui s'est passé au royaume du Thibet" (Paris, 1629).

Films

*2005 - "In Search of Myths and Heroes: The Search for Shangri-La". Directed by Jean Smith and presented by Michael Wood.

References

* [http://www.goajesuits.in The Goa Jesuit Province of the Society of Jesus] - The Jesuits in Goa