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 本文分析了嘉布遣会修士达米昂·德·博扎诺（Capuchin friar Damião de Bozzano）的传教活动，重点考察其20世纪30至40年代在巴西东北部部分地区的驻留经历。借助文化史研究视角，本文从其加入嘉布遣会（Capuchin Order）之初开始，梳理该修士的生平全貌。本文着重考察其学业修习、宗教职分、移民巴西的历程，以及其宗教虔诚形象的塑造——上述内容均为理解20世纪早期天主教传教事业，及其与当时历史、政治与社会议题之间的互动关系所不可或缺的关键维度。本文以忏悔文书、私人档案、期刊、回忆录及宗教出版物为研究基础，旨在厘清其所属修会在巴西的活动组织架构，尤其聚焦于信徒群体中圣徒形象的建构过程。