Some impediments that have hindered the full implementation of the Costa Rican Social Reform carried out in 1942 and 1943*

Abstract

In Costa Rica there was an event that, in addition to its political, social and economic dimensions, theologically meant a kayrós, a time of grace, of admirable achievements concerning the receipt of fruits of redemption in the field of charity and justice inspired by the Gospel. Before talking about it, it is advisable to remember the serious background shortly.

The Church had suffered, as elsewhere, limitations typical of the modern era and attacks by the anti-clerical. This, above all, since the end of the nineteenth century, which were all seriously realized: the closure of the University of St. Thomas, the only one in the nation, because of its pontifical character; the closure of the College of San Luis Gonzaga, the best in Central America, because it is run by the Jesuits, along with the violent expulsion of them, almost without being allowed to safeguard the Blessed Sacrament in the College or to put to good care the internal students, minors, some from other countries; the expulsion of the Bishop from the diocese of San José de Costa Rica, the only one then, for two years leaving the faithful without a bishop; the prohibition of making religious vows, thus invading the anti-clerical fury to the age of consciousness; prohibition of processions, except those permitted by a presidential decree; the prohibition on collecting alms, but under conditions imposed by the public authorities; the column against the bishop and the Jesuits and others and other members of the clergy by the Government; prohibiting members of religious orders from entering the country. (Vide Víctor Sanabria M., Bernardo Augusto Thiel. Second Bishop of Costa Rica (Historical Notes), Lehmann, S. J. C. R., 1941,650 ps.; Hernán G. Peralta, Don Rafael Iglesias, Trejos, 1928; Liberal laws. A century of its promulgation, Legislative Assembly, analectas of the file, presented by Felipe Fernández Rivera, San José, C. R., 1985,122 ps.).