El Hospicio Agustino de Santo Tomás de Villanueva en la ciudad de México

Abstract

The Hospice of Saint Thomas of Villanueva in Mexico City was under the jurisdiction of the Augustinian Province of the Philippines. Founded in 1666, it was established as a necessary institution to facilitate the transfer of missionaries from Spain to the Philippines. Since it was located in New Spain, halfway along the long journey to the islands, its purpose was to take in the friars who arrived in Mexico so that, after a few weeks or months, they could resume their voyage from Acapulco to Manila. At the Hospice, they were cared for and provided with food and clothing to recover from the Atlantic crossing. They were housed in a religious compound with strict rules to prevent any disturbances or being scattered. The presidents of the Hospice were responsible for this task, and from the 18th century onward –by order of the definitorio (provincial council)– they were also in charge of periodically sending the funds needed for the construction of the Royal Seminary College of Valladolid. The Hospice ceased to function following the independence of Mexico and the departure of the Spaniards in 1827.