Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Portugal is a republic in the western part of the Iberian peninsula, capital Lisbon. The Gospel arrived here before the 4th century. From the fifth century to the early eighth century the Church experienced difficulties due to the physical invasion of barbarians and the intellectual invasion of doctrinal errors in the forms of Arianism, Priscillianism and Pelagianism. The Church survived under the rule of the Arabs from about 711 and of the Moors until 1249. Ecclesiastical life was fairly vigorous from 1080 to 1185 and monastic influence became strong. The Catholic community of Lisbon was established the 4th century, it became an archdiocese in 1394 and was then raised to the rank of Patriarchate in 1716. Portugal became the departure point for missionaries to newly discovered colonies. The Reformation had little effect in the country. Liberal revolutionaries with anti-Church policies made the 19th century a difficult one for the Church..
However Portugal of the 20th century means for many people, Fatima, and apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary starting on 13 May 1917. Fatima is famous for the Secret and Message of Fatima: a call to men and women to convert their hearts, to pray, especially the recitation of the Rosary, make little sacrifices for the conversion of sinners and make acts of reparation for sins. Sister Lucia, one of the three children to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared has ulterior special revelations in 1929 with regard to the existence of Hell and Purgatory, the wondrous mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, the Eucharist. There were also apparitions of an Angel in 1916, who taught lovely prayers to the children. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in Fatima and heaven came down to earth to remind us of the teaching of Jesus, the loving mercy of God, the absolute necessity of prayer. In the next article we will focus on Our Lady’s call for prayer. (J.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2006, righe 58, parole 818)
