The Jesuit missions (San Ignacio)

Founded in 1539 per Saint Ignace de Loyola, the Society of Jesus, is established in the Province of Paraguay at the end of 16th century. Vaster than the current state of Paraguay, this province integrated also the area of Brazilian Rio Grande, Uruguay and Argentinian North.
The priesthood of the missionaries Jesuits is expressed as much in the will to bring teaching as in that of evangelize the indigenous populations. With a great sense of courage, they go deepest of the tropical forest (as shows it so well the film “Mission”) to build villages which they organize methodically. In this way they think of being able to release the Indians of the "encomenderos” (landowners) who enslave them. They also believe to be able to give access to them a certain dignity (the training of new trades like the sculpture of the stones, life in organized society). The first of these villages, called “reduccion” is built in 1609.
That of San Ignacio completed in 1724, bombarded in 1817 by the army of Paraguay was rediscovered only in 1897 in the middle of the luxuriant vegetation which had invaded it. Registered the world inheritance of humanity, restored, it makes it possible to appreciate the military organization and harmonious installation by the fathers Jesuits.
Unfortunately the history of the missions Jesuits, throughout 17th and 18th is studded only by the account of constant exactions on behalf of the “encomenderos”, who seek to intimidate, dissuade, and to sometimes even kill the missionaries. The Spanish Crown gives them even reason in 1767, as the King Carlos III orders the demolishing of the misions. The film of Roland Joffé evokes this period.
In 1814, the Pope Pie VII restores the Company of Jesus.
Ref. : "le Guide de l'Argentine"Graciela Cutuli and Pierre Dumas ed. La Manufacture.