Father Manuel da Nóbrega was a Portuguese Jesuit priest born in 1517. He is best known for his role in the early missionary efforts in Brazil, where he arrived in 1549. Nóbrega worked to spread Christianity among the indigenous peoples and played a significant role in establishing the Jesuit missions in the region. In addition to his missionary work, Nóbrega was involved in the founding of São Paulo, one of Brazil's largest cities. He advocated for the rights of the indigenous population and sought to protect them from exploitation. His contributions significantly shaped the early history of Brazil and the Jesuit presence in the Americas.