La antigua misión de Maracaibo confiada a los capuchinos de Navarra y Cantabria (1749-1820) [The old mission of Maracaibo entrusted to the Capuchins of Navarre and Cantabria (1749-1820)]

Abstract

This essay consists of two parts: the history of events and the history of mentalities. The first part describes the allocation of the mission in 1749 to the Capuchins of Navarre and Cantabria by Royal order, detaching it from that of Santa Marta. This involved the recruitment of missionaries, the drafting of their rules and their dependence on the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The second part deals with issues such as the subjugation of the Indians, mostly Motilones; relations with Juan Chourio and his heir; defence of the freedom of black slaves and the lawsuit with the Bishop of Merida regarding the jurisdiction of the missionaries.