Author Archives: P. C.

Alfaro in Ecuador Today

Posted on May 15, 2011 by P. C.

The memory of Eloy Alfaro is kept alive in Ecuador today Centenary Commemorations On the occasion of the Centenary of the events of January 28th, 1912, appropriate ceremonies commemorated the great contributions of Eloy Alfaro, presided over by his great … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State, Historical Survey, Presidents | Comments Off on Alfaro in Ecuador Today

Human Rights and the Concordat

Posted on May 15, 2011 by P. C.

Background Before discussing the serious Human Rights violations of the Concordat of 1862 we should mention that conditions in early 19th century Ecuador were truly extreme. The population was lawless and contentious and deeply divided politically into bitterly contentious factions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State | Comments Off on Human Rights and the Concordat

Pope Pius IX

Posted on May 15, 2011 by P. C.

After his original ordination as a priest, Count Mastai-Feretti had been sent by the then Pope Pius VII on a mission to Chile and Peru to assist the Vatican legate in those countries as an auditor.  When the Conclave elected … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State | Comments Off on Pope Pius IX

Biography of Dr. Francisco Martinez

Posted on May 14, 2011 by P. C.

Who was Francisco Martinez? Francisco Martinez was a renowned Physician and medical Professor in Ecuador but in mid-life he also became a statesman and a close collaborator of President Eloy Alfaro. In the two critical years before the murder of … Continue reading →

Posted in Dr. Francisco Xavier Martinez | Comments Off on Biography of Dr. Francisco Martinez

Brief History of Ecuador

Posted on May 12, 2011 by P. C.

Ecuador was made a Colony of Spain after the Spanish conquest in the mid 1500’s. Unlike the experience in Colonial North America, Colonial South America was not a haven for those seeking religious freedom; there was a Spanish Inquisition in … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Survey | Comments Off on Brief History of Ecuador

Martinez and Alfaro

Posted on May 11, 2011 by P. C.

Historical and Biographical Background Dr. Francisco X. Martinez (1850-1917) was a prominent Ecuadorian Surgeon but he also spoke out on public issues confronting Ecuadorian Culture in his times and in later life he became a prominent Statesman.  When he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State, Dr. Francisco Xavier Martinez | Comments Off on Martinez and Alfaro

Garcia Moreno

Posted on May 9, 2011 by P. C.

Gabriel Garcia Moreno was the President of Ecuador from 1861 to 1865 and from 1869 to 1875. He was well educated – a chemistry professor – unlike most of the Ecuadorian Presidents who preceeded him, who came from military backgrounds. … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State, Presidents | Comments Off on Garcia Moreno

What is a Concordat?

Posted on May 9, 2011 by P. C.

A concordat is a legal agreement – often characterized as a treaty – between the Vatican under the Roman Catholic Pope and a sovereign nation-state.  Concordats date back to the early middle ages and continue in some localities till the … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State | Comments Off on What is a Concordat?

The Concordat of 1862

Posted on May 9, 2011 by P. C.

Full text of the Ecuador Concordat of 1862 Glossary (click to expand) of terms used in the Concordat Apostolic See: Title assumed by the Pope intended to call attention to the fact that he claims to be associated with one … Continue reading →

Posted in Church and State | Comments Off on The Concordat of 1862

Eloy Alfaro

Posted on May 9, 2011 by P. C.

Birth and Ethnicity Eloy Alfaro was born in 1842 in Montecristi, Ecuador. According to the Encyclopedia of World Biography: His father, Manuel Alfaro, was a Spaniard who came to the town as a buyer of straw hats and settled down … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Survey, Presidents | Comments Off on Eloy Alfaro