Miracles of Saint Joseph of Anchieta. Co-patron saint of Brazil

Saint Joseph de Anchieta was a Jesuit priest who participated in the Society of Jesus founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and in 1553 came to evangelize the Indians of Brazil (newly discovered in 1500) and the Portuguese who came to live here. He was the founder of the city of São Paulo and other cities in the country in his catechization explorations. See a little more about his story in the video below, as well as his recent canonization in 2014 by Pope Francis, after recording 5,350 graces obtained through his intercession! 

^{Source: TV Canção Nova} 

But in addition to his above-normal intelligence and his artistic gifts, in dramaturgy, poetry and grammar, Father Anchieta also received many gifts great divine miracles that were fundamental for the evangelization and conversion of our Indians, equivalent to the great miracles of our contemporary Padre Pio, or even greater! 

Below are some of his miracles, with text copied from brief reports posted on the website of the National Sanctuary of São José de Anchieta (CLICK HERE to access the website directly):

LEVITATION 

Through the testimony of several people who were contemporaries of Anchieta, it is known that the saint's levitation was a common occurrence, hardly causing any scare among the population. It was common for him to pray masses while levitating. 

Levitating, however, was not common among the Indians. In fact, it was this feat that once saved him from the dangerous Tamoios, when he was taken hostage in Iperoig (where today is Ubatuba), while Father Nóbrega was trying to make a pact with the Tupis. The chief of the tamoios, Pindobuçu, seeing him rise from the ground, became frightened and, in doubt as to which spirits, good or bad, would be giving him the strength to do so, he preferred not to take any risks, sparing his life. 

RAISED THE DEAD
He raised the dead. It is known that at least six people were revisited by Father Anchieta, although he avoided this by always claiming: 'I didn't come as a doctor'. It is said that a girl had died, leaving her parents disconsolate. Father Anchieta arrives, goes to her corpse and tells her: “My daughter, you are trying to steal paradise easily. Come back and fight.” Immediately, the girl is resurrected. 

There is also the famous story of the Indian Diego, who everyone thought was baptized, for keeping the commandments and calling himself a Christian. But, after dying without the sacrament, during his burial, he gets up and asks a lady who is watching over his body to call Father Anchieta, in order to be baptized. The apostle arrives, baptizes him and he dies again. 

FATHER JOSÉ DE ANCHIETA SPENDS HALF AN HOUR UNDERWATER PRAYING 

On one occasion, the blessed was sailing along the Tietê River when his boat sank. The story goes that the boatman who was taking him, after several dives, found him at the bottom of the water, calm, sitting and reading the catechism, and praying. According to the biography written by Pero Rodrigues, a contemporary of the blessed, he was submerged for about half an hour ." 

HIS PREACHING IS HEARD KILOMETERS AWAY 

When Anchieta was in Bertioga, several people heard his voice preaching, at a time when he was several tens of kilometers away from the place. 

A FLASH DURING HIS PREACHING 

At a mass, in the presence of many faithful, during the preaching, the priest fell to his knees. At this exact moment, an immense flash illuminated the temple and frightened those in the Church of Nossa Senhora de Itanhaém. 

MAKES FISHERMEN FIND FISH 

One of the saint's best-known cases of premonition, or divination, is the lack of fish in Bahia. Fish were increasingly scarce and fishermen began to be in need. Anchieta then called one of them and showed him the place where he should throw his net. In a single cast, the fisherman caught so many fish that he not only met his needs and those of the missionaries, but was also able to distribute the surplus among the poor. 

READ THOUGHTS AND TALK TO WILD ANIMALS 

There are countless testimonies from people who claim that the priest read thoughts. There are several reports that claim the existence of conversations between the missionary and wild animals, such as snakes and jaguars in captivity. 

Saint José de Anchieta, trailblazer and evangelizer of Brazil, intercede for our country and its inhabitants in these current times!!

References: Santuário São José de Anchieta, TV Canção Nova