Analyzing hagiographies (biographies and literal writings of holy people) is great and exquisitely intriguing in working out or interpret the thinking / machinations at work during that period in time. Rather than crediting the socio-political clout of the Jesuits or the Spanish vis-a-vis Portuguese, which allegedly led to sainthood for more Spanish compared to Portuguese, the more relevant question is: How many Portuguese formed religious orders like the Spanish Loyola and Xavier, (founders of the Jesuits); Teresa of Avila and John the Cross (founders of the Discalced Carmelites), Dominic (founder of the Dominicans) etc.? If there was a marked difference between the number of Spanish to Portuguese-based religious orders, the next question is why? (Not many Goans may know, but there is a vibrant branch of the Discalced Carmelites (men and women) in Goa and India. Any religion honoring individuals as 'saints' is no different from other scientific fields which honors those who made a major contribution to the particular field; or fundamentally inspired others; or shifted the line of thinking leading to a paradigm shift in perspective. Some of the perspectives may not stand the test of time. Yet, regard is given to those who dedicated their life for a cause. The fact that their work may not stand the test of time is not a discredit. It is amazing how a few decades later, the same thinking may come full circle, with the work (and the individual's fame) resurrected once again. As in many scientific fields, as we "know more and more about less and less", we loose sight of the important issues. Led to its logical conclusion, one ends up "knowing everything about nothing." In medicine, the issue is how does any information presented practically benefit CURRENT practice (patient care). Or is what is being presented 'basic scientific research', which at least theoretically may be useful at a later date? When listening to the history of medicine, we are often feted with useful anecdotes; which served as the catalysts for stumbling on the "right thing". Anything else is considered "gossip" on some of the fore-runners of the field, who are not around to defend themselves. Regards, GL ---------- Teotonio R. de Souza wrote:
But one major factor in obtaining the beatification / canonization of its members by the Society of Jesus depended on its socio-political clout. It is not a surprise that while Portugal got its first Jesuit canonized only in the mid 20th century (St. Britto martyred in India), Spain could get 3 of its saints canonized on the same day and year: Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier and Theresa of Avila!
