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Antonio de Montesinos
Spain, Spain
Archival Overview
Spanish Dominican friar who delivered the historic Advent sermon of 1511 on Hispaniola, the first public denunciation of European mistreatment and enslavement of indigenous peoples in the New World.
Biographical Record
Antonio de Montesinos (c. 1475–1540) landed on the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) in 1510 with the first community of Dominican friars. Horrified by the genocidal encomienda forced-labor system that was exterminating the Taino population, Montesinos drafted a sermon with his community's backing.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent in December 1511, Montesinos mounted the pulpit in Santo Domingo before Diego Columbus and colonial grandees, thunderously proclaiming: 'Tell me, by what right or by what interpretation of justice do you keep these Indians in such cruel and horrible servitude?' His sermon deeply converted Bartolome de las Casas.
Key Life Milestones
The Famous Advent Sermon in Santo Domingo
Preached the first public defense of indigenous human rights in the Americas, shocking colonial authorities.
Promulgation of the Laws of Burgos
Traveled to Spain to confront King Ferdinand, compelling the creation of the first protective labor laws in the Americas.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialSanto Domingo, Dominican Republic