From Seroras to Sacristans

Abstract

This chapter discusses the fundamental transformation of the role of the seroras in the eighteenth century. Whereas the seroras survived Tridentine reform relatively unscathed, they were not so fortunate under the later Bourbon reforms. Fiscally pragmatic rather than directly confessional, the Bourbon reforms led to a drastic reorganization of local religious life. Some initiatives championed under the Bourbon reforms were well underway through regional reorganization and local initiative well before they were issued by official proclamation. In these cases, the Bourbon reforms merely expedited the inevitable. Aimed to achieve essential cost-saving measures across the empire, the Bourbon reforms as they played out through the Consejo de Castilla consolidated church lands, redrafted parish benefice plans, and decreased numbers of lower-order clergy and church functionaries. All these measures affected the seroras, and although localities and Basque church officials jointly championed their seroras, the Bourbon reforms ultimately signaled an end to the vocation. Eventually, the seroras were replaced by sacristans.