Frei João da Cruz was an Augustinian Vicar. He was the son of Manuel Tavares da Silva and D. Luisa Maria dos Reis. He was born in Lisbon in the Parish of Magdalena. He was twice the Rector of the Colegio do Populo de Goa in 1738 and in 1747. He was Prior of the Convent of Grasa ( Grace) de Goa in 1749 and Parish priest of Neura (Goa) and Santa Inez, Goa. He was the provincial of the Congregation in 1759. He died while he was the provincial on 25 April 1762. He kissed the feet of his subjects before his death.