ACTIVITIES

Guadalupe (Spain) – 21^st-22^nd October 2024

Cáceres-Belvís de Monroy (Spain) – 24^th-26^th October 2024

This year marks the fifth centenary of the arrival in Mexico of the twelve Franciscan friars from the Extremaduran convent of Belvís de Monroy. Known as the Twelve Apostles of Mexico, they were true pioneers in the spread of Christianity in New Spain and staunch advocates for the respect of Native American rights. From a place of poverty and austerity, they brought the Franciscan utopia to the New World, leaving a legacy of humanitarian action that remains a vital guiding principle for human rights policies in Ibero-America.

The European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation (FAEIY) and the Royal Academy of Extremadura of Letters and Arts (RAEX) have combined their efforts to jointly organise an International Congress this coming October, aimed at studying the historical contributions of the Twelve Franciscan Apostles. This Congress merges the 2^nd Conference on Guadalupe in America, established by FAEIY through the School of Guadalupe, and the 13^th Conference on Extremaduran Humanism, which RAEX has been developing periodically.

The aim of this Congress is to revitalise, review, and update the knowledge and historiography of one of the most significant events of Spain’s presence in America. It is crucial to highlight the actions of the Twelve Apostles of Mexico as a paradigm of universal humanism, advocating for equality and human dignity. These Franciscans, who departed from Belvís in 1524, were a unique testimony of respect, service, and protection for indigenous populations against certain abuses or extortions by members of the Spanish community.

With the participation of the most prestigious specialists, this Congress will address various aspects surrounding this Franciscan missionary epic. Through a transversal approach, and by means of presentations, papers, and debates, the Congress will analyse and interpret the impact of the ethical values of the Twelve on evangelisation, inculturation, law, artistic expressions, miscegenation, integration, Indian settlements, as well as on theology and pastoral mission work. RAEX and FAEIY have divided the Congress into two phases: in Guadalupe, to assess the Twelve Apostles and their direct action in New Spain; and in Cáceres-Belvís de Monroy, to highlight the rich legacy they left and transmitted to the Indies and the rest of humanity.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIh_wsNYZ5ekV3cORX7cegByDsliuQRBLIhMPteUeK9h6bLA/viewform

Locations and Dates:

European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation – School of Guadalupe: 2^nd Conference on Guadalupe in America

Guadalupe (Spain) – 21^st and 22^nd October 2024

Royal Academy of Extremadura of Letters and Arts – 13^th Conference on Extremaduran Humanism.

Cáceres-Belvís de Monroy (Spain) – 24^th-26^th October 2024

Congress Modality: In-person and online attendance – Free entry to all sessions – Free registration

All attendees, whether in-person or online, must register by 11^th October via the link provided above. A certificate of attendance will be issued upon request.

In the registration form, please indicate the optional attendance to the Guadalupe sessions, the Cáceres-Belvís sessions, or both phases of the Congress. The attendance certificate will be issued separately for each.

Additionally, please indicate if you wish to use the bus service provided for transportation to Guadalupe (21^st and 22^nd October) and to Belvís (26^th October), departing from Cáceres.