Document+J+Franciscans


 * Document J: Franciscans**

After mineral wealth was not discovered in New Mexico in 1598, the Franciscans pushed for missionary influence in the new colony. They hoped to continue the practices that they had used in the Valley of Mexico to convert Mexican Indians and to create a theocracy in the colony.[|[1]] The Franciscans worked to adapt Indian beliefs to Christian ones. In 1608, Franciscans baptized 7,000 Indians in two months alone. Fray Alonso de Benavides commented on the conversion of Pueblo Indians:

“It was a sight to see those who came on their knees to see the holy cross and kiss it as they had seen me do. And among others I saw an Indian with a toothache. With great trouble she opened her mouth with her hands and brought her molars close to the holy cross.”[|[2]]

To some historians, this excerpt emphasizes the syncretism (blending) of Catholicism and Indian beliefs. Though there were times when Pueblos threatened rebellion, these revolts were put down relatively quickly because of the military strength of the Spanish. Fray Alonso de Benavides remarked that:

“Though few and ill-equipped, God has assured that the Spaniard always come out victorious and has instilled in the Indian such a fear of the Spanish and their arquebuses that if he hears that a Spaniard is coming to his pueblo he flees.”[|[3]]

While some Indians were baptized by the Franciscans, several resisted conversion. Fray Alonso de Benavides, in service from 1626 to 1629, remarked, “the main and general answer to us by those pagans for not becoming Christians is that when they do become Christians they are at once compelled to pay tribute and render personal service.”[|[4]]

There were increasing problems for the colony in 1670s, in particular, the famine of 1670. Fray Francisco de Ayeta wrote to the king about the troubles of New Mexico:

“In the year 1670 there was great famine in these provinces which compelled the Spanish inhabitants and Indians alike to eat hides and straps of the carts…There followed in the next year a great pestilence which carried off many people and cattle.”[|[5]]

Ayeta also wrote about the increasing Apache raids:

“Apaches who were then at peace rebelled and rose up, and the said province was totally sacked and robbed by their attacks and outraged…It is common knowledge that from the year 1672 until your excellency adopted measures for aiding the kingdom six pueblos were depopulated.”[|[6]]

According to some historians, an interesting development for the Franciscan population in the seventeenth century was the desire for martyrdom. Some were prompted to travel to New Mexico because they were “anxious to suffer martyrdom for God.”[|[7]]

During the revolt of 1680, 21 of the 32 Franciscan missionaries were killed.[|[8]] As rebelling Indians approached him in Jémez, Fray Juan de Jesùs told the rebelling Pueblos:

“Do with me as you wish, for this joy of yours will not last more than ten years, after which you will consume each other in wars.”[|[9]]

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[|[1]] Gutiérrez, R.A. (1991). //When Jesus came, the cornmothers went away: Marriage, sexuality,// // and power in New Mexico, 1500-1846. // Stanford: Stanford University Press. Retrieved from ACLS Humanities E-Book. p. 46

[|[2]] Garner, V.H. (1999). Seventeenth century New Mexico, the Pueblo Revolt, and its interpreters. In D.J. Weber (Ed.), //What caused the Pueblo Revolt of 1680?// (pp.55-80). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.p. 62

[|[3]] Knaut p. 67

[|[4]] Knaut, A.L. (1964). //The Pueblo Revolt of 1680//. Norman and London: University of  Oklahoma Press. p. 73

[|[5]] Knaut p. 69

[|[6]] Knaut p. 69

[|[7]] Weber, D.J. (Ed). (1999). //What caused the Pueblo Revolt of 1680?//. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.p. 43

[|[8]] Garner p. 74

[|[9]] Espinosa, J.M. (Ed.). (1988). //The Pueblo Indian revolt of 1696 and the Franciscan missions in// // New Mexico ////. // Norman & London: University of Oklahoma Press. p. 35.