The history of Brazil, from colonial times to the present, is deeply linked to the Catholic Church. This spiritual heritage is very much alive today, as Brazil is the country with the most Catholics in the world, with around 123 million faithful, accounting for 14.2% of all Catholics worldwide. The widespread establishment of various Catholic orders and their missionaries throughout Brazil is a significant reason for the omnipresence of Catholicism in the country. The Jesuits, who landed in Brazil in the second half of the 16th century and were later expelled by the crown in the 18th century, were one of the most influential religious orders in shaping Brazilian society.
The Catholic Church in Brazil – a strong presence of Jesuits and Carthusians
Arriving aboard the ships of the first explorers from the beginning of the colonization of Brazil, Catholic missionaries were immediately both horrified and fascinated by the pagan customs of the native people. The first Brazilian Catholic brotherhood, the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Olinda was created in 1539 in the state of Pernambuco. The first Jesuits from the Society of Jesus arrived with Tomé de Souza, the governor general, 10 years later. Throughout the centuries, numerous orders of Franciscans, Carmelites, Benedictines, Oratorians, Capuchins and others came to explore this New World “where everything remained to be done”.
One of the last orders of Catholic monks to settle in Brazil arrived in 1984, in the Mosteiro Nossa Senhora Medianeira monastery located in Ivorá, a small village in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the deep south of Brazil. The monks come from a French Catholic order in Isère, the Carthusians. It is in Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse, in the heart of a rural valley surrounded by the Chartreuse Mountains that the Grande Chartreuse (head monastery) is located. Having made vows of silence, the Carthusian Fathers and Brothers have little contact with the outside world and are best known for their Chartreuse liqueur, made from 130 plants according to a secret recipe from 1605.
Why did the various religious orders come and settle in Brazil?
The Carthusian Fathers came to settle near a small rural village in southern Brazil to live in meditation and solitude, while other Catholic orders played much more active roles in Brazilian society. This is particularly true for the Jesuits, a Catholic order created by St. Ignatius of Loyola. When they arrived in the mid-16th century, they saw Brazil’s potential to become a more just and moral society than the Europe they perceived as decadent. They decided to actively participate in the social, political, economic, and moral development of the Portuguese colony.
The social and political role of the Jesuit order in Brazil
The Jesuits, specializing in evangelization and education, played two key roles in Brazil’s history: the founding and development of the first Brazilian colonial cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, and the establishment of the country’s first colleges, essential for the education of the colonizers. Following the Valladolid debate, which determined that Indigenous people were entitled to freedom, they began a vast program of catechization and education of the local Amerindian populations, who were being exploited by the colonizers. They created a new methodology based on learning local languages, studying indigenous cultures, and establishing missions. In these villages, called “reductions,” they provided care and education to the natives in exchange for their faith and labor. They encouraged sedentarization by protecting them from the abuses of Bandeirantes, the Portuguese slave catchers.
The downfall of the Jesuits and the Guarani missions
One of the most important reductions was a Guarani reduction with around 30 villages in the region of Misiones Orientales. There, the Jesuits developed a well-organized and prosperous Indigenous-Christian community, which at the time was a great model for its kind. It represented a serious possibility of integration of the natives in modern society. At their peak, they occupied a territory practically equivalent to that of France, with a population of free natives who gradually integrated into the Western social model while preserving some of their own customs. Between 1611 and 1630, the reductions contained more than 140,000 people between the south of Brazil, the southwest of Paraguay, the north of Argentina and Uruguay.
However not everyone was happy, especially Portuguese royalty and Portuguese landowners. The latter seeing their cheap labor escape them, they came into conflict with the Jesuits and besieged the colonies between 1632 and 1635. In 1639, Pope Urban VIII offered his protection to the communities through the Commissum Nobis that condemned the enslavement of natives. This made it possible to stop the slavery of the native Amerindians but initiated the slave trade with importation of African slaves.
The Jesuits, well-organized and loyal to the Pope (who opposed the Portuguese and Spanish royal families), appeared as a political threat due to their large following and growing power in the colony. In 1767, the expulsion of the Jesuits from Brazil struck a death blow to these communities, leading to their disappearance within a few decades.
Church involvement in Brazilian society
Unlike the Carthusians, who have lived for over 900 years in meditation and solitude without much interference in local affairs, the Jesuits’ strong social and political commitment in Brazil led to their rejection by imperial and colonial authorities. These authorities saw the Jesuit communities as a threat to their control, fearing the establishment of a new order outside their dominion. However, the Jesuits left a lasting impact on Brazilian civil society and its relationship with the Catholic Church
This legacy of church involvement in social issues has persisted throughout Brazilian history. Numerous apostolic orders have taken on missions to protect persecuted populations during social crises. During the 20th century, in the Northeast, figures like Padre Cícero and many priests during the military dictatorship protected the disadvantaged, often risking their lives to make their protests heard.
Recent Developments and Context
Today, the Catholic Church remains a significant social and political force in Brazil. The church’s influence extends beyond religious practices, impacting education, healthcare, and social services. Modern-day Brazil continues to see the involvement of various religious orders in addressing social inequalities and advocating for human rights. One recent development is the rise of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, which has gained popularity among Brazilian Catholics. This movement emphasizes personal conversion, spiritual renewal, and a direct experience of the Holy Spirit. It has led to the establishment of numerous prayer groups, retreats, and missions, further embedding the Catholic faith in Brazilian society. Additionally, Pope Francis’ emphasis on social justice and care for the environment resonates strongly in Brazil. His encyclical “Laudato Si'” on environmental stewardship has inspired many Brazilian Catholics to engage in environmental protection initiatives, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, which faces significant threats from deforestation and exploitation.
Conclusion
The history of religious orders and missions in Brazil is a testament to the profound influence of the Catholic Church on the nation’s development. From the early days of colonization to the present, the church has played a crucial role in shaping Brazilian society. The Jesuits, in particular, left an indelible mark through their educational and evangelization efforts, despite their eventual expulsion. Today, the Catholic Church continues to be a pillar of Brazilian society, advocating for social justice, education, and environmental stewardship. As Brazil navigates the challenges of the 21st century, the enduring legacy of its religious orders and missions serves as a reminder of the country’s deep spiritual roots and the ongoing quest for a more just and equitable society. For those interested in exploring the rich history of religious orders and missions in Brazil, Brazil Selection offers tailored tours that delve into the historical and cultural significance of these institutions. Discover the enduring impact of the Catholic Church on Brazil’s past and present, and gain a deeper appreciation for the spiritual heritage that continues to shape this vibrant nation.
