Dying for the Kingdom: Modern Martyrial Narratives in Latin America, 1965–90

Martyrial narratives have evolved along with modernity and significantly changed over the twentieth century. From classical martyrdom to modern martyr instances, several structural transformations have taken place and fully revamped classical models: the role of the State and the legitimacy of the use of violence are maybe the most relevant.

This paper aims at looking at new forms of “secular” martyrdom where martyrial narratives are created and set in motion by non-religious actors, mainly social movements. A cautionary word is in order: these movements are many times embedded in Catholic and Protestant milieux undertaking social and political causes.

The presentation will investigate post conciliar cases of martyrdom in Latin America to show how politics, religious frameworks and social mobilization became entwined in violent death to infuse it with meaning. Also, the paper will show how these deaths helped create new and different narrative patterns akin to Christian martyrdom in secular venues. In doing so, they became mnemonic devices capable of mobilizing social and political initiatives against violence and political repression.