1997, the 3rd centenary of Loreto, Scott 2063
The California missions, dating from 1769, are usually associated with the Franciscans and especially with Junipero Serra. But the first permanent mission, Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto Concho in Baja California, was founded seventy-three years earlier, on October 25, 1697, by Fr. Juan Maria Salvatierra, SJ (1648-1717). A sign over the entry door reads Head and mother of all the missions of upper and lower Californias. Over the next 70 years Jesuits founded another 17 missions along the Camino Real, but at their Suppression the work was given to the Franciscans. Born in Milan, Salvatierra became interested in the Indian missions while studying with the Jesuits in Parma. He entered the Jesuits, came to Mexico in 1675, and continued his theological studies there. He worked first in southwest Chihuahua, was Visitor of the missions of Pimeria (1690-91), Rector of the college at Guadalajara (1693-1696) and Master of Novices (1696) and finally that year , moved by conversations with Father Eusebio Kino began to evangelize Lower California. Salvatierra and a few soldiers landed at Concepcion Bay and founded the first of the California missions, dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto. More
College of Saints Peter and Paul, Mexico City
1982, Colonial Monument
Series, Scott 1303
The College of Saints Peter and Paul in Mexico City was the ancient school of theology for the Province of Mexico.
Iberoamerican University, Mexico City
MEXICO, 2003, 60th anniversary of the University, Scott 2307
The Universidad Iberoamericana was founded in 1943 by the Jesuits as a school of philosophy and literature. It was chartered in 1954 as the Universidad Iberoamericana. The University moved to its modern campus in the Santa Fe area of Mexico City in 1988.
Instituto Científico de San Francisco de Borja, Mexico City
MEXICO, 1981, Scott 1260Between the years 1766 and 1771 José Vivanco Hurtado de Mendoza, seventh Count of Valle de Orizaba, built a summer mansion that was unfinished at the time of his death. In 1822, still unfinished, it was acquired and completed in a different style from the original. Known commonly as the Casa de los Mascarones (house of the figureheads) because of its decoration, it functioned repeatedly as an educational institution, harboring in 1850 the Colegio de San Luis, in 1871 the Colegio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and in 1892 or 1893 the Instituto Científico de San Francisco de Borja run by the Jesuits at the request of parents who had acquired the building to give their children a first-class and Christian education. By the turn of the century students referred to themselves as going to the Casa de Los Mascarones rather than using the real name of the Instituto Científico. In 1914, however, the building was seized by the government, the school closed and the Jesuits expelled.
San Ildefonso College, Mexico City
1985, 75th anniversary of the University of Mexico, Scott 1404
1993, 125th anniversary of the National Preparatory School, Scott 1843The Antiguo Colegio de San Ildelfonso once occupied a building now used by the University of Mexico and National Preparatory School in Mexico City, shown on the stamps above. The school was founded by the Jesuits in 1588. Its graduates assumed key positions in New Spain. After the Jesuits were expelled their property was confiscated by the government. From 1910 to 1978 the building was the home of the National Preparatory School, and in the 90s after years of disuse it became a museum. More
1987, 50th anniversary of the Autonomous University of Puebla, Scott 1477The Jesuits arrived in Puebla in 1578 and founded several colleges there. The stamp shows a detail of an ancient building of one of them. The building is on Avenue 4 Sur next to the Iglesia del Espiritu Santo (also called the Holy Spirit Church or "La Compañia"). This 18th century church built on the location of the first Jesuit Church was ironically not completed until 1767, the year the Jesuits were expelled from Mexico.
