Missions and devotions in the “Northeast” of Brazil: ecclesiastical action and the formation of a thaumaturgy around Friar Damião de Bozzano (1930-1940)

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes the missionary activity of the Capuchin friar Damião de Bozzano, focusing on his stay in part of the “Northeast” of Brazil in the 1930s and 1940s. Through the lens of Cultural History, we trace the profile of the friar from his entry into the Capuchin Order. We emphasize his studies, religious duties, immigration to Brazil, and the building of his devotion, all of which are essential for understanding Catholic projects and their relations with historical, political, and social issues in the early 20th century. This article is based on confessional and personal documents, periodicals, memoirs and religious publications, and it aims to understand the organization of his order’s activities in the country, especially the construction of representations of holiness among believers.

Keywords:
catholic missions; Capuchin Order; Friar Damião de Bozzano; ecclesiastical devotions; thaumaturgy