Pedro Fernandez de Quiros (1565-1615) was a Spanish explorer. In 1606, he sailed the Pacific Ocean, from Callao, Peru as far as the New Hebrides. In search of a reported southland, he landed on an island, planted a large cross and read the proclamation from which Australia got its name:
<I, Captain Pedro Fernandez de Quiros...hoist this emblem of the Holy Cross on which His person was crucified and whereon He gave His life for the ransom and remedy of all the human race....
On this Day of Pentecost, 14 May 1606....I take possession of all this part of the South as far as the pole in the name of Jesus....From now on, shall be called the Southern Land of the Holy Ghost [La Terra Australia del Espiritu Santo]...to the end that to all the natives, in all the said lands, the holy and sacred evangel may be preached zealously and openly.> 1565PQ001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1565PQ001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, May 14, 1606, proclamation read on discovering island near Australia. Michael de Looper, "Pedro Fernandez de Quiros," Understanding Our Christian Heritage 2 (1989), p. 34-37. Sir Clements Markham, ed, The Voyages of Pedro Fernandez De Quiros, 1595 to 1606 (Lessing-Druckerei-Wiesbaden: Hakluyt Society, 1904), 2 volumes, especially vol. 1, pp. 244-252. George Collingridge, The Discovery of Australia: A critical documentary, and historic investigation concerning the priority of discovery in Australia by Europeans before the arrival of Lieut. James Cook, in the Endeavour, in the year 1770 (Sydney: Hayes Brothers, 1985), pp. 217-237. Elizabeth Rogers Kotlowski, Southland of the Holy Spirit-A Christian History of Australia (Christian History Research Institute, 81 Woodward St., Orange, NSW 2800, Australia; Publisher Dr. Graham McLennan, 1994), pp. 78-79.