A evangelização pela educação escolar: embates entre presbiterianos e católicos em Patrocínio, Minas Gerais (1924-1933)

Abstract

This work has as objective to approach the Presbyterian educational action in the city of Patrocinio-MG from 1924 to 1933 and its respective impacts on the Roman Catholic Church as well as on the dominant social group in the referred city. This dominant social group saw such action as a threat to the established and desired order. The period starts when the Presbyterians begin the missionary process in the city. Due to the need of the missionary field of Patrocinio, they begin the educational process for the lay workers' preparation, and the teaching of reading and write to the followers, with the Course of Preparation of Lay Workers. The course was initiated by the Rev. Jayme Woodson, who wished to give support to the Presbyterian communities, the American missionaries' work, and the Parochial School. The school was created by the Hardies who instructed the followers to free interpreting the Bible. The Parochial School which was an indirect missionary action of the Missao Oeste Brasileira, was later materialized in the Patrocinio College. The educational action, developed in the Protestant evangelist process, led the dispute ofthe two world visions, to the educational field. The Catholic reaction led by Bishop D. Lustosa from the Congregacao dos Salesianos, was characterized by the creation of the Colégio D. Lustosa of masculine education and alsoofthe Colégio Nossa Senhora do Patrocinio, of feminine education. The institutions responsible for these schools were the ‘Congregacao ’Sagrado Coração de Jesus’ and ’Sagrado Coração de Maria’, respectively.