Catholic Missions in the Time of Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was not only an explorer determined to chart new routes across the Atlantic, but a man deeply animated by a missionary spirit
His August 3, 1492 voyage with three modest caravels represented not only one of the greatest maritime feats in history, but also the beginning of a new phase of evangelization. When he landed on an island he named San Salvador on October 12, Columbus was aware that he had opened the door to a new world, not only for trade but also for the spread of the Christian faith.
Columbus himself saw himself as an instrument of Providence, destined to bring the Gospel to peoples who had never known it. This missionary spirit was not isolated, but shared by many of the navigators of his time, who were considered true “crusaders of evangelization.” Their mission went beyond exploration: it was a spiritual journey aimed at performing spiritual works of mercy, such as instructing the ignorant and counseling the doubters, enlightening hearts with the message of Christ.
The Missions in the East: Japan and China
Over the following decades, Catholic missions rapidly expanded to the East, where the Jesuits, led by the Order of St. Ignatius of Loyola, were pioneers in the spread of Christianity. In Japan, the work of evangelization reached its peak with Father Alexander Valignano, who knew how to adapt the Christian message to the local culture. Within a short time, more than three hundred thousand Japanese were converted to Christianity. However, the success of the missions also led to a fierce reaction from the local authorities, who perceived Christianity as a threat to their tradition. On Feb. 23, 1597, in the city of Nagasaki, twenty-six missionaries, including Blessed Angelo Orsucci of Lucca, were martyred in a public crucifixion, demonstrating a courage that reflected the last of the spiritual works of mercy: patiently enduring insults.
Even in China, a vast and culturally complex land, the Jesuits adopted an approach of cultural integration. Marco Polo had already opened a channel of dialogue with the Chinese rulers in 1292, bringing not only goods but also Christian ideas and values. The Jesuit missionaries, following in his footsteps, devoted themselves zealously to learning the local language and customs, knowing that only in this way could they germinate the Christian faith. In this context, they accomplished the work of adapting and integrating the faith into local cultures, a true act of mercy that required patience and dedication.
India and the Evangelization of St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier, one of the greatest missionaries in history, dedicated himself to the evangelization of India with unwavering faith. Convinced that the spread of the Catholic faith should come through example, he set out for the East with only the breviary and rosary as his tools of evangelization. Through his ministry, Xavier performed numerous corporal and spiritual works of mercy: he visited the imprisoned, comforted the afflicted and brought hope to the needy, embodying the very essence of the Christian mission. His legacy endures, not only in the many converts, but also in the communities that continue to live according to the principles of the Gospel.
spazio + spadoni and the rediscovery of the Works of Mercy
Today, the legacy of these extraordinary missions lives again through initiatives such as the spazio + spadoni Movement, which has been based in St. Cerbone Convent since 2021. spazio + spadoni is committed to the rediscovery and promotion of works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal, bringing to light the importance of these acts in contemporary society. Just as missionaries of the past brought the light of faith to distant lands, spazio + spadoni is committed to spreading the message of charity, compassion and solidarity through projects that aim to support the weakest and build communities based on Christian love.
The works of mercy, which once accompanied missionaries on their journeys, today find new expression in the daily actions of those who follow the example of these great witnesses of the faith. Evangelization continues, not only in distant territories, but also in the heart of our communities, through acts of welcome, support and sharing that embody the spirit of the Gospel.
Photo
- digitally created image by spazio+spadoni