<b>Church, politics and education in republican Brazil: the creation of Dom Bosco High School, of Cachoeira do Campo, Minas Gerais (1893-1897)</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascieduc.v35i1.17150

Abstract

At the end of 19^th century the Roman Catholic Church found itself menaced on the two sides of Atlantic Ocean. In Europe, because of affirmation of National States, it sees to diminish its influence space, which will be affected in a sector that traditionally had depended on its actuation: education. In Brazil, the advent of the Republic will consolidate the separation between Church and State and also the exclusion of religious teaching of the public schools. The anti-liberal reaction (ultramontane) of the Church in Brazil will rely on the aid of religious congregation to evangelical and educational action, being here analyzed the initiative of Salesians about building a professionalizing school in Cachoeira do Campo, district of Ouro Preto-MG. It is sublimated the intense relations of political character among religious men and public power in regional and local ambit. In 1893 the Salesians received from State terrain and meaningful donation in order to start the high school works, followed by others donations, allowing its inauguration in 1896. From Ouro Preto, the priests relied on the poor children fund to application into high school, assuming to look after orphans of municipal, chosen by Chamber. This way, Dom Bosco High School accomplishes several functions: doctrinal, professionalizing and educational; attending so much interests of the Church such as of the Minas Gerais State ones.