He graduated as
D.D. in
Paris, and was for several years professor of theology in the
Sorbonne University, and afterward chaplain of Emperor
Charles V, and guardian of a convent of
Franciscans at Ghent. In 1522 Charles V, who was much attached to him, gave him permission to go to the
New World. Tecto settled at
Texcoco, where he founded missions for the
natives and learned their language. He accompanied
Hernán Cortés in his expedition to
Hibueras in 1525, and as, owing to the rebellion of
Cristobal de Olid, no provisions were obtainable, Tecto, exhausted, fell behind the army, and was found later by a patrol leaning against a tree, where he had died of hunger. According to
Bernal Diaz del Castillo, another source, he was sent by Cortés to report to the emperor about the conquest of Hibueras, and died at sea, off the coast of
Spain. Tecto is the author of two works:
Primeros rudimentos de la doctrina Cristiana en lengua Mexicana (Rudiments of Christian Doctrine in the Mexican Language), a manuscript which was utilized by Fray
Pedro de Gante for his
Catecismo Mexicano (Mexican
catechism); and
Apología del bautismo administrate á los gentiles Mexicanos con sola el agua y la forma Sacramental, which is cited by
Fray Juan de Torquemada in his
Monarquía Indiana. ==Notes==