Catholic Missions, Religiosity and Memory in the Province of Valdivia (1940-1980)

Abstract

In Valdivia, the Bavarian Capuchin Catholic missions played a relevant role in the consolidation of the Chilean State during the occupational and post-occupational process, through the emergence of these throughout the provincial space, which will generate the development of new border-type dynamics as well as geographic ones, making a connection / bridge between the state and indigenous territorial logics. This paper seeks to analyze this dynamic as a territorial construction in post- border times, that is, between the 30s and 80s of the 20th century. Focusing on the Lanco- Panguipulli area, under the missionary logic, highlighting the role of religion in the creation of new civil-religious identities. The conclusions are oriented to recognize that territories are built and rebuilt over time, as well as the definitions and precisions on uses and/or vocations are social constructions, formed and imposed through different configurations of power relations.