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 presence 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 emphasized education and the importance of learning, helping to establish schools for both indigenous people and settlers. His contributions significantly shaped the religious and cultural landscape of early colonial Brazil.