Dificultades financieras en la fundación del Colegio Seminario San Buenaventura y la erección de la Universidad de Mérida, 1785-1810.

Abstract

The foundation of the Seminary College of San Buenaventura of Merida, precursor of the University of Los Andes, originated in the policy of reform of the Spanish State at the end of the 18th century, which was oriented toward the preparation of the clergy to teach the faithful. Specifically in Merida that objective included the creation of a center of higher education in the capital of the bishopric, to which end the efforts of the Merida prelates were indefatigable. Their goal met with a grave difficulty in the shape of lack of financial resources for its operation, which delayed the ultimate creation of a university in Merida. The resources were initially retained by the Archbishopric of Santa Fe, and others had been destined for the University of Caracas. At the same time the contributions of the stipends of the expelled Jesuits, which had constituted their patrimony, had decreased notably. Moreover. they were coveted by the citizens of Maracaibo for the creation of a college in that city.