A Esperança (1919-1938): The Materialization of a Madeiran Catholic Bildung Magazine

Abstract

This article aims to analyse A Esperança (1919-1938), a catholic magazine founded in the diocese of Funchal. Its relation with the Congregation of the Mission, the multiple Christian associations established during the same period, and its longevity (whilst comparing it to similar publications) provides a valuable insight to the cultural milieu of Madeira. Based on texts and metatexts from its 300 volumes, the main objective of this study is to characterize the magazine in its multiple facets. Hence, one must start with the context in which it was created, by analysing the determining factors that made its establishment possible. After that, one must delve into the producing process of the publication, by knowing who the editors, directors and collaborators were. Then it is relevant to observe it as a material object, with its own evolution, by surveying features such as title and subtitles, front and back cover, periodicity, various editions, graphical aspect, and the advertisement. Finally, a study of its reception, concerning the forms of acquisition, price, and its audience. Thus, one can better know about the Good Press in the archipelago of Madeira, during the first three decades of the 20th century, but also about the society, culture, and religiosity of Madeirans.

Keywords

Periodical Publications in Madeira; Catholic Press; A Esperança (1919-1938); Congregation of the Mission.