THE CHANGING OF SAINTS IN THE CHURCH OF SÃO FRANCISCO OF SÃO PAULO (1828-1910)

Abstract

An episode, which took place while the Brotherhood of São Benedito administered the Convent church of São Francisco of São Paulo, was particularly cited by the Franciscan historians in the beginning of the 20th century: the changing of the saints on the high altar of the convent church, as well as the consequent change of devotional title on the temple. This article analyses the episode, highlighting the replacement of the image of Saint Francis with that of Saint Benedict, fact that occurred after the acquisition of a new altarpiece. The black community housed in the Largo São Francisco church was aware of the political and social contexts surrounding it, particularly, the movements for the abolition of slavery in Brazil.