The involvement of members of the Benedictine order with detours and other illegal activity

Rio de Janeiro (1702-1729)

Abstract

This article proposes an approach to the involvement of members of the Benedictine order with detours and other illegal activity, and the confronts with representatives of secular power. Thus, we consider episodes occurred in the captaincy of Rio de Janeiro during the first half of the eighteenth century. Once we have taken this perspective, the Benedictines are a rich object of study. Additionally, it is possible to observe the cohesion of order against what was considered an external threat. When faced with actions that appear to be harmful, particularly by representatives of the State, their energetic attitudes showed that they were not willing to bow down before the secular power. Another important point is, when accused of waywardness or other illegal activity, the Benedictine monks appealed the sentences they received, and, at least in the cases studied here, were acquitted. These characters were astute organizers, strategists who knew very well to use this intelligence to make the winds blow in their favor. We hope to demonstrate the extent of illicit practices in colonial society - from institutions to individuals.