Facilitating an Empire: The Jesuits in Portuguese Territories and Beyond (1540-1975)

This book explores the Jesuit order of its origins, historical evolution, missionary endeavors, and global dynamics, with a specific focus on Portugal and the challenges arising from changes in the former Portuguese Empire. The narrative unfolds in three parts, with the initial section exploring the foundation of the Jesuit order in 1540, approved by Pope Paul III. Examining the order's presence in Portugal, its connections with the Portuguese monarchy, and its educational initiatives, the exploration extends to a global Christianization mission aligned with crown and Roman interests. The second part shifts focus to Jesuit provinces beyond Europe, exploring regions with limited European presence through missionary action. Using a comparative and connected historical approach, the study analyzes missionary geography, identifying parallels and differences shaped by a "collective" dynamic involving the Society of Jesus, the crown, Rome, and diverse geographical dimensions. The third segment addresses the restoration of the Society of Jesus, particularly in Portugal, navigating global dynamics. The evolving landscape of the former Portuguese Empire necessitates a new contextualization, signifying the need for currently unfeasible investigations. The book will appeal for an academic audience with a specific interest in the detailed examination of the Jesuit order's history, its organizational structure, and its impact on missionary activities, both within Portugal and in regions with limited European presence.

Provides a thorough examination of the Society of Jesus, covering from medieval piety to contemporary church dynamics Explores interactions with diverse authorities in different geographical dimensions Comparative historical approach provides a nuanced understanding of the Jesuits' global and local dynamics

Auteur

Maria De Deus Beites Manso holds the position of Associate Professor with Aggregation in the Department of History at the University of Évora. Her regular collaborations extend to Brazilian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese universities, where she has contributed significantly.Her research is centered on the construction of globalization since the 15th century, with a specific focus on religious history, women/gender, slavery, and racial mixing. These thematic areas form the core of her academic pursuits.

Contenu

Chapter 1.Introduction.-Chapter 2. The SocietY of Jesus.- Eastern Provinces and Missions.-Chapter 3. Jesuit MIssions in the Malabar Province.-Chapter 4. Latinizating the Malabar: A New, Repackaged Christianity.-Chapter 5. Japan Province.- Colleges: Teaching and the Jesuit Mission in the East.-Chapter 6. Province of Brazil and the Vice-Province of MARANHÃO.-Chapter 7. Present-Day Morocco, The Atlantic Archipelagos, Central-West African Coast- Missionary Methodologies.-Chapter 8. Extinction of the Society of Jesus.-Chapter 9. Desterro(s) [Exile(s)] and Rising from the Ashes.-Chapter 10. The Restoration of the Society of Jesus: Brief Notes.-Chapter 11. The República (REPUBLIC) and O ESTADO NOVO (THE NEW STATE).-Chapter 12. The Return of the Society of Jesus to Portugal.-Chapter 13. Final Remarks.