Gaspar Vilela

Gaspar Vilela or Gaspar Villela (Avis, 1526 — Goa, Portuguese India, 4 February 1572), was a priest and Jesuit missionary, and his activity in Japan influenced the Portuguese and Christian presence.

Early years

Born in 1526 in the village of Avis, Alentejo, Portugal.

One of the most important and useful things Vilela did, was to learn the Japanese language giving him the ability to talk directly to the people, without interpreters and frustrations. He turns also to the aristocracy, mainly daimyos, seeking their protection and funding.

Vilela also identifies the main Buddhist sects present in Japan, the Zen ("shaka") and the Amitaba ("amida").

Between 1558 and 1559 at Hirado Vilela baptized more than 600 people.