Francisco Xavier Bogarin facts for kids
Francisco Javier Bogarín (born 1763 – death unknown) was a Catholic priest and teacher. He played an active part in Paraguay's journey to become an independent country. He was born in Carapeguá, a town in the Paraguarí Department, about 66 kilometers from Asunción, in 1763. For a few months in 1811, he was a member of the five-person ruling group (called a junta) of Paraguay.
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Early Life and Education
Francisco's parents were Francisco Bogarín and María Paula Villamayor. He went to school at the National University of Córdoba. There, he met two people who would later become important leaders in Argentina's independence, Juan José Paso and Mariano Medrano. He finished his studies in Theology and became a priest in 1784. After that, he returned to the province of Paraguay.
Back in Asunción, Bogarín became the Secretary for Bishop Nicholas Videla del Pino. His path soon crossed with José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, who would become a very powerful leader in Paraguay. In 1790, Dr. Francia and another professor complained about Bogarín being chosen to teach Theology at San Carlos Seminary College. Later, in 1796, Bogarín became the Chair of Philosophy.
Role in Society and Politics
The Church was very involved in the political life of the country during colonial times. Catholic priests were often among the most educated people. They knew about the newest ideas and ways of thinking. Because of this, it was not a surprise that Bogarín was asked to join a special meeting (Congress) in 1810. This meeting was called by the governor, Bernardo de Velasco, after the May Revolution happened in Buenos Aires.
When the Congress met on July 24, it announced that Paraguay would stay loyal to King Ferdinand VII of Spain. This decision to stay loyal to the king led to a conflict known as the Paraguay campaign. During this campaign, Paraguayan troops won against forces sent from Buenos Aires. This military success, along with worries that Governor Velasco might ask Portugal for military help, led to the May 14, 1811 Revolution. This revolution marked the beginning of Paraguay's independence.
Paraguay's Independence Movement
The military officers who faced Governor Velasco on the night of May 14 successfully created a three-person ruling group. This group included Governor Velasco, Francia, and a Spanish army captain named Juan Valeriano de Zeballos.
Key Figures in Independence
Many brave people are known as the "Fathers of Paraguayan Independence." They include:
- Fulgencio Yegros
- Pedro Juan Caballero
- Vicente Ignacio Iturbe
- Mauricio José Troche
- Antonio Tomás Yegros
- Fernando de la Mora
- Mariano Antonio Molas
- Juan Bautista Rivarola
After Independence Was Declared
From June 17 to June 20, 1811, the first National Congress met. This Congress created a new five-person executive group called the Junta Superior Gubernativa. This new ruling group was led by Fulgencio Yegros. Bogarín was also a member, representing the clergy (church leaders).
The First Governing Junta
The Junta started its work on June 20. One of its first big actions was sending a message to Buenos Aires on July 20. In this message, the Junta clearly stated that Paraguay wanted to be independent.
Later, Francia resigned from the Junta. He said it was because the military was gaining too much power in the government. On August 6, the other members of the Junta sent a letter to Francia, asking him to come back. Bogarín did not sign this letter. He soon had disagreements with the rest of the Junta. After a request from Yegros, Bogarín was removed from the Junta on September 2, 1811. It is thought that Francia might have used this situation to reduce the influence of the church in the government. After this, Bogarín left politics for good. What happened to him after that, including when and where he died, is not known.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Javier Bogarín para niños
