Entre o rosário e a pólvora: o beato Franciscano e a Vila de São Francisco, Quebrangulo-AL

Abstract

The northeastern region of Brazil, within the Catholic religious sphere, is marked by the emergence of various figures known as "beatos" (blessed individuals). Among them are Padre Cícero, Antônio Conselheiro, Padre Ibiapina, Frei Damião, and others, who share traits like charisma, morality, and a pursuit of the "heavenly paradise." The people who followed them perceived these individuals as having a profound spirituality grounded in faith, work, fraternal sharing, and charity. These religious leaders were responsible for significant social movements, attracting those fleeing from famine and drought in search of a better life on a journey toward the "promised land." This study focuses on the Alagoan beato Antônio Fernandes Amorim, from his emergence in the Alagoas backlands to his pilgrimage in Serra Grande, in the municipality of Quebrangulo-AL, where the Village of São Francisco originated. The research aims to comprehend not only the political and religious persecution he faced but also his involvement in the messianic-religious movements of the Northeast. Furthermore, it explores his assassination in 1954 and the fate of his spiritual and social projects in the Village, which is currently striving to revive under the administration of Franciscans dedicated to the founder's ideals. He is revered monthly by pilgrims and devotees who consider him a saint. For this study, bibliographic research related to the theme was conducted, along with analyses of documents addressing the socio-anthropological and historical-religious processes of the Village's formation as a space for interaction and exchanges in the aforementioned aspects. Data collection from documents was carried out in both public and personal archives, while ethnographic research took place in the Village of São Francisco and surrounding areas. This research not only aims to analyze the socio-anthropological process of messianism in the Village of São Francisco, Quebrangulo, AL, but also to contribute to a deeper understanding of beatism, some messianic movements in Alagoas, and their legacy in Alagoan society as a whole.