The Feast of the Lord of Patience takes place on Sunday, September 13, at the Monastery of Santo António, in Lombo dos Aguiares. The solemn Eucharist, at 5:00 PM, will be presided by D. Nuno Brás, bishop of Funchal, followed by the procession. The Poor Clares have kept this devotion alive for more than half a century, deeply linked to the history of the community and the memory of the Servant of God Mother Virginia Brites da Paixão. Sister Patrícia Rocha defines the religious sisters as "guardians of the Lord of Patience."
The Clares' connection to the Lord of Patience extends to daily life, through prayer and the welcoming of intentions of those who seek the monastery. According to Sister Patrícia, "the community is a space for welcoming pain." The image of Christ seated, crowned with thorns and stripped, is considered "a unique model of silent suffering" and "a silence that speaks."
This year, the festival is marked by the debut of a new hymn dedicated to the Lord of Patience, with lyrics by Sister Maria da Cruz and music by Fr. Ignácio Rodrigues. The initiative came from Fr. André Pinheiro, pastor of Visitação and Graça, who wanted to pay his own tribute to the Lord of Patience.
The preparation also involved the parishes of Visitação and Graça. Fr. André Pinheiro formed a festival committee and mobilized parishioners and festival organizers, who collaborated in collecting offerings and organizing the celebrations.
