THE PARTICIPATION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODERN SALVADOR (1889 TO 1961)
Salvador. Catholic Church. Modernization. Urban history. Modern Urbanism. Catholic Buildings. Secularization
This work aimed to analyze the participation of the Catholic Church in the modernization of the city of Salvador, from 1889 to 1961. The study started from the need to understand how the Church, contrary to the effects of modernity, especially with regard to the secular state, adhered to the ideals of the modern city – fluidity, hygiene and remodeling –, as well as to the reforms of customs. Through ecclesiastical and civil documents, it was demonstrated that the Church's action in this sense was mainly due to the agreement with the public authorities and conservative segments of Bahian society, which aimed to modernize Salvador, inspired by the urban transformations of European cities, but without compromising the established social order. The study allowed the understanding that the Church's contribution to the modernization of Salvador was to change the physical scenario. As a building agent, she was responsible for buildings with functions dedicated to charity, assistance and education. Between construction and renovation of existing buildings, the Church followed current standards with the introduction of new techniques and materials. However, the changes were not restricted to the physical aspects, as the Church also introduced new sociability, based around conservative values of order and respect for civil and religious authorities.