Episcopal Auto of the visit by bishop Argandoña to Santa Catalina’s monastery. Cordoba 1748

Abstract

The main objective of this article is offer the researchers the Auto (official document) of the Canonical visit to Santa Catalina´s Monastery in Cordoba, by bishop Pedro Miguel de Argandoña (1748). It is an unpublished document preserved in the care of this ancient dominican convent (1613). In the first numbers is offered an introduction about the ancient Tucuman´s bishop (1); his relationship with this Monastery (2); the visit which took place that year and that finished with the mentionated Auto (3); and the main dispositions of this
document (4). Afterwards it is transcribed this Auto, signed by the Prelate and his Secretary (5). This study will help future researchers to improve knowledge about the first argentinian monastery, which indeed has been already object of several investigations and publications. During this visit, bishop Argandoña gave several
dispositions to the community, just like his predecessors. Presenting now the integral Auto, including the historical context and the Prelate’s personality as well, it will be possible appreciate better that he -as pastor- more than pointing out the falts and dictating reformations, he procured the sustenance and promotion
of those women´s life consacrated to God in the Church, according to the tradition of Saint Domingo de Guzmán. Thus his purpose intended to answer the nuns´s requirements in order to achive -in a better way- their religious vocation, avoiding possible dangers, according to their Rule and others regulations; so that they could better serve the people and give glory to God.