Antônio Conselheiro

Antônio Conselheiro (Anthony the Counselor, real name Antônio Vicente Mendes Maciel, b. March 13, 1830, Quixeramobim, state of Ceará, Brazil; d. September 22, 1897, Bello Monte, a.k.a. Canudos, state of Bahia) was a religious man, preacher, and founder of the village of Canudos, the scenario of the War of Canudos (1896-1897), a civil rebellion against the central government which was brutally stamped out with the loss of more than 15,000 lives.

The counselor

Tall and thin, with long black hair and beard, always dressed in a rough blue tunic, a straw hat and leather sandals, carrying a necklace with a wooden cross, Antônio Maciel cut an impressive figure, reminding people of Jesus Christ. Gradually he became a pilgrim, an itinerant benefactor and counselor of the poor, as well a pious preacher and religious leader. He was called alternatively by the simple people of the region as Antônio Conselheiro, Santo Antônio dos Mares, Santo Antônio Aparecido or Bom Jesus Conselheiro, and began to attract not only admirers, but fanatical followers, who begin travelling with him.

Related Topics:
Jesus Christ - Pilgrim - Preacher

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