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.

摘要：本文旨在分析嘉布遣会（Capuchin）修士达米昂·德·博扎诺（Damião de Bozzano）的传教活动，重点考察其于20世纪30至40年代在巴西东北部部分区域的传教居留经历。本文以文化史为研究视角，从该修士加入嘉布遣会的历程切入，梳理其生平轮廓。我们着重探讨其学术修习、宗教职责、移居巴西的过程以及其宗教虔诚的塑造历程，上述要素均为理解20世纪早期天主教传教事业及其与当时历史、政治、社会问题之间的关联所不可或缺。本文依托教会档案、私人文献、期刊、回忆录及宗教出版物展开研究，旨在探析其修会在巴西境内的活动组织模式，尤其是信徒群体中圣徒形象的建构过程。