Plan de estudios de la Provincia de Observantes de N.P.S. Francisco de Granada [Second title: Demostracion que hace a la Santa Provincia de Granada de la Regular Observancia de N.S.P.S. Francisco, sobre la ruina de su literatura y medios mas oportunos para su reparo]

THE EDUCATION REFORM OF THE FRANCISCAN ORDER IN THE ENLIGHTENMENT ERA

4to (251x174 mm). [4], 121, [1 blank] pp. and 2 folding engraved plates: one showing a genealogical tree (Arbol cronologico de Estudios) and one with a large map of the province of Granada (Provincia de N. Padre S. Francisco de Granada), both signed “Vazq.^z fc.” and the map dated 1783. Contemporary Spanish mottled calf, gilt spine, marbled edges, green silk bookmark (slightly worn and rubbed). Some marginal tears to the plates, a good, genuine copy.

Rare first edition. Father Manuel María Trujillo was one of the most important Franciscan reformers of the Enlightenment era. He was personally committed to raising the cultural standards of both his Order and the Spanish Church. The precursor to his Exhortación Pastoral (Madrid, 1786) can be found in the Plan de Estudios de la Provincia de los Observantes de Nuestro Padre San Francisco de Granada (‘Study Plan of the Province of the Observants of Our Father St. Francis of Granada') published during his tenure as provincial of that province.

The motives for his reform were primarily related to a climate of widespread decline within the Franciscan Order: an excessive proliferation of study houses, privileges and corruption in the conduct of the lecturers, and deficiencies in the student education. In his Plan de Estudios, Trujillo (which was closer to the University of Granada's stady plan than to those developed within the Order) designed the career path of the enlightened Franciscan: philosopher, theologian, moralist, and preacher. The work consisted of two parts: an analysis of the “ruin of literature” -that is, the cultural decline of the Province- and an exposition of the means to overcome it. Upon being appointed General Commissioner, Trujillo adopted this curriculum for the provinces and apostolic colleges of the Americas and the Philippines (cf. G. Areta Marigó, Propaganda Fide: memoria de la muerte, in: “La portentosa Vida de la Muerte Joachín Bolaños”, Madrid, 2016, p. 264; see also El Reino de Granada y el Nuevo Mundo, Granada, 1994, II, p. 215).

Palau, 228126.

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