Friar Francisco de Monte Alverne: The ulpit in favor of national education

Abstract

Sermons, in the field of cultural and literary history, are a genre that gained relevance in the Brazilian nineteenth century, after the arrival of the Portuguese royal family in Rio de Janeiro. Considering that, until then, the press was prohibited, books were scarce and schools were restricted to the elite, sacred oratory fulfilled an important educational purpose in the Brazilian political and intellectual scene. We highlight the Franciscan friar Francisco do Monte Alverne (1783-1858). He occupied the pulpit for about 25 years, becoming one of the most distinguished sermonists of the Empire. Politics and state issues - which evolved during Brazil's independence -, patriotic sentiment and the formation of a national identity were themes present in his sermons, and deserve more in-depth study.

Keywords:
Brazil Empire; education in the Empire; sermons; Franciscans