“Morra o indigno vigário, morra” os colonos de Nossa Senhora do Socorro da Cotinguiba contra o padre Varejão (Sergipe Del Rey - Séc XIX)

Abstract

This research investigates the nature of conflicts between metropolitan authorities in the colonial space and the political and religious powers, which were specific domains of power in the exercise of colonial power. It begins with an analysis of the petition filed by the parishioners of Nossa Senhora do Socorro da Cotinguiba against the Vicar Pastado Antonio Alves de Miranda Varejão, highlighting how the conflict involved the population and their religious beliefs in the district of Sergipe in the early 19th century. In addition to this petition, sources such as the Qualification Diligence for the position of commissioner of Antonio Alves de Miranda Varejão and Antonio Dias Coelho e Melo; brief petitions by the accused regarding requests, defenses, and accusations to other clergy; the Geographical Description of Sergipe in 1802; the First Constitutions of the Archbishopric of Bahia; and other sources available at the Torre do Tombo National Archives, the Barão do Rio Branco Rescue Project, the Federal Senate, and the National Library (Brazil). The research sought to understand the power relations, based on negotiations and conflicts, between those who exercised power on behalf of the Portuguese crown in Sergipe and the population, specifically in the aforementioned parish. It also aimed to understand the political demonstrations carried out by the Cotinguiba population. The research hopes to contribute to the understanding of the colonial environment as a space marked by alliances and confrontations, in which the subjects were also agents, based on their ability to speak out and challenge the orders of the authorities.