Juan Rogel
He arrived on August 28, 1566, with the first Jesuit mission to convert the Calusa and Orista Indians. He studied native languages and produced the first dictionary of the Calusa language, which has never been found.
The Orista
The Orista Indians built a church and a house to receive father Rogel in August 1569. He describes them as: "well-natured; they do not have more than one wife and all of them work".
Juan Rogel being received by the Orista.
Conversion to Christianity
For Rogel, in order to convert the Indians, it was essential for them to practice agriculture and live in permanent settlements.
Father Rogel instructing the Indians in Christian principles.