The eighteenth century is considered the century of enlightenment because an intellectual movement emerged in Europe that has faith in the ideas of progress, equality and philanthropy. This mentality reaches Mexico and inspires the creation of the House of Foundlings in what was the capital of the viceroyalty of New Spain.
In this way, the master singer of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Don Fernando Ortiz Cortés, ordered the work of the hospice and in 1774 the viceroy Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa inaugurated it.
Origin and financing of the House of Foundlings
First of all, it should be mentioned that the word foundling means exposed, that is, children without parents were abandoned or exposed at the doors of churches and convents; and they were all given the surname Expósito.
In the early years of the place, it was Archbishop Don Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana y Buitrón who financed it with the help of donations from the wealthiest parishioners. Later, the King of Spain as patron, granted an income to the hospice.
The children who came home
There were two registration books for children entering or leaving: one for Spanish children, who were registered as such by their appearance; and another for the indigenous and caste groups, who were more numerous.
All the children were baptized and there was an older nurse and a chaplain looking after the well-being of the little ones.
Education at the House of Foundlings
For the children, adoptive parents were sought artisans with trades that the child could learn for his adulthood. It seems that it was common for children between 14 and 15 years of age to be adopted, requested by artisans who were looking for apprentices for their workshop.
As for the girls, they were taught housework, good manners and reading. Most would then look for a service position in some house.
It should be noted that learning to write was considered too demanding and the fundamental interest was religious indoctrination.
If the children were wrong in the catechism, they deserved whipping and by the 19th century, these punishments would become harsher, with punishment cells for each sex.
Certainly, rebellious boys were sent to serve the king in the army or navy. Regarding the girls who were going to be employed in houses and returned pregnant, they were sent to the Santa María Magdalena Recollection to do penance for their faults.
The political crisis and its consequence in the orphanage
At the beginning of the 19th century, political instability influences the economic situation of the orphanage, which is found for the first time without donations. From there, children no longer have educational instruction.
By 1826, the situation of the house seems insurmountable and the government intervenes. Now the patron of the place is the president of the republic. This allocates an income to support the hospice, but it is not collected until 1836. The economic hardships continue and in 1858 the orphanage closes its doors after 84 years of service.
With information from the article The House for Foundlings in Mexico City: An Eighteenth-Century Foundation, written by Pilar Gonzalbo Aizpuru, El Colegio de México.
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