São Miguel das Missões. . .

Mission of St. Michael

Last Sunday we decided to take a little road trip to see a historic site that is somewhat close to Horizontina. We drove about two hours to see the mission ruins. In the early 1600s, the leader of the local Jesuits was asked to convert the Guarani and Tupi Indians and also to protect them from the Spanish and Portuguese slave traders. The Missions were created for this purpose as well as to educate the Indians and teach them the ways and culture of Europe. While they accomplished that, the Jesuits were also intentional about preserving the Indian culture and language. In 1750 the Treaty of Madrid stated that the sites be handed over to Portuguese rule, which would no long protect the Indians from slavery. The Indians refused to leave the Missions, leading to the Guarani War. In 1756, more than 1500 Indians were killed and even more were sold into slavery. As written, "it was a tragic, bloody end to a great social experiement." Sad.

Little Miss Emma Jae, sportin' some attitude and showing off her running skills. Several times over the last few weeks, she's told me, "Mommy, I'm going for a run." Then she takes off running through the house. If I'm wearing my running shoes, she asks me if I'm going for a run. Here, she was free to run and run and run. Oh freedom!!

It's just amazing to me that this building was constructed in the 1700s. How in the world did they get those heavy stones to the top? How did they level the land, dig a basement and install the bell in the tower without modern-day machinery?? Fascinating.

There were a few trees around the ruins that were absolutely amazing! The roots had grown through, around and over the stones, adding more beauty to the already enormous trees.

Next to the ruins was a small museum that held statues and other artifacts that had been rescued from the mission after its downfall. I can't help but think that the statue on the right is Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings. I also find it interesting that someone would carve statues of people surrendering (left), as if they had time to do that while there was a war going on?? Some of the carvings had incredibly intricate details and we were impressed. Some of the history I read said that the Missions, which were scattered throughout northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and southern Brazil, flourished in the arts. They created sophisticated sculptures, ceramics and musical instruments. Outside the museum were descendants of the Indians, selling little knick-knacks and musical instruments. We didn't buy anything, but I wondered how many traditions had been passed down through several generations.

We had a great time and enjoyed learning a little more history about our new country. In 1986, a movie was created, The Mission, starring Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons, about the missions of the Guarani. We both think it would be worth watching, especially now that we've been.