The bishop of Viseu, D. António Luciano, called for the adoption of structural measures to support the family during the Mass of the Festivities of Our Lady of the Castle, which took place on September 8, 2026, in the municipality of Mangualde. The prelate warned that society must promote favorable birth policies to combat the depopulation of the country's Interior.
D. António Luciano also expressed concern about the global panorama, considering it urgent to stop the advance of a humanity marked by violence, wars and deaths. The Catholic leader challenged believers to build a new civilization of love, projecting from their own homes a sign of community hope.
The Eucharist was preceded by a procession that left from Largo da Igreja da Misericórdia, accompanied by the Philharmonic Band of Lobelhe do Mato. D. António Luciano asked the thousands of pilgrims to place in the heart of Our Lady the sick and the poor, including the users of the Holy House.
The celebrations closed four days of cultural and religious program, coinciding with the liturgical feast of the Nativity of Mary. The diocese of Viseu issued a note about the event through its Information Office.
