Catholic Heritage: Missions, Baroque Art, and Mystical Theology

The Evangelization of the World

The great discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries opened the door to universal evangelization. Following the discovery in 1492, a major missionary expansion began. Royal laws provided for the humane treatment of Indigenous peoples and the suppression of abuses, but many exploited the natives.

These encomenderos faced great difficulties:

• Enormous distances
• Language barriers
• Cultural differences

Nevertheless, the work of the missionaries had a very positive impact. Also remarkable was the work of the Jesuits in the reductions: moving from a classical mission model to promoting the best of local cultures with great practicality, achieving significant cultural, social, and religious development.

Renaissance and Baroque Art

The Renaissance: A New Worldview

The Renaissance marked a new conception of the world and the individual. While the Church's patronage made art an effective tool, particularly in illustrating the guidelines of the Council of Trent, the Baroque style emerged as a distinct response.

The Baroque: A Cultural Response

Baroque art is understood as the cultural response to the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic Church used it to dazzle and attract the faithful, who contemplated its curved lines, dramatic play of light and color, and theatricality.

Baroque Painting

• In Italy, Caravaggio stands out for his dramatic realism.
• In the Low Countries, masters like Rembrandt and Rubens made significant contributions.
• In Spain, prominent artists included El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Murillo.

Baroque Sculpture

Religious imagery stands out in Spain, particularly polychrome wooden religious sculpture of great realism. It was utilized as a means of religious instruction to evoke spiritual emotion through altarpieces (retablos) and Holy Week processions.

Spanish Mysticism: Saints of the Golden Age

Saint Teresa of Jesus (Teresa of Ávila)

Her profound mysticism finds its maximum literary expression in works like The Interior Castle (Las Moradas), considered one of the top mystical works of all time. She emphasized an inner journey towards union with God.

Saint John of the Cross

This mystic poet is considered one of the most outstanding figures in Castilian literature. His three major compositions are cornerstones of mystical poetry:

• Dark Night of the Soul
• Spiritual Canticle
• Living Flame of Love

Understanding God as Father

Jesus's Revelation of God as Abba

When addressing God, Jesus called Him "Abba," an affectionate diminutive of "Father." Jesus prayed to God, demonstrating closeness, obedience, and fidelity. He lived as a child who trusts his Father, surrendering to His will and following His commands. When Jesus speaks of God as Creator and Liberator, He presents Him as someone seeking friendship with people.

God: A Good and Loving Father

Jesus spoke to us in parables. To His disciples, He revealed who God truly is through the parable of the Prodigal Son. From this, we find clues as to who God is:

• God is a Father who loves us deeply.
• God is a Father who respects the freedom of His children.
• God is a Father whose only desire is to share love with His children.
• He waits anxiously for the return of His children.
• He is hurt by the separation from His children.
• He desires His children to live as brothers and sisters.