A Historic Celebration in Mexilhoeira Grande
In 2025, the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Mexilhoeira Grande will celebrate a momentous triple anniversary: 500 years since the construction of the parish church, 50 years since the return of the Jesuits to the Algarve, and the entry of Father Domingos Monteiro da Costa into the parish.
To commemorate these significant milestones, the three parishes in the Algarve under the care of the Society of Jesus – N.ª Sr.ª do Amparo (Portimão), Mexilhoeira Grande, and Odiáxere – are preparing a diverse program of events throughout the year to honor these important Jubilees.
Upcoming Events
The celebration program includes:
- Classical and contemporary music concerts
- Traditional dances, theater performances, conferences, and cultural activities
- Aiming to showcase the history and influence of these historical landmarks.
Highlights of the Program:
- January 11: A concert at 19:00 featuring the Algarve Guitar Association in the parish church.
- January 12: A traditional gathering of Janeiras and Reis singing at 15:00 in the church.
- January 30: Students from the 11th grade of the professional actor/actress course will perform “El-Rei Seleuco” by Luís Vaz de Camões at the Centro Pastoral Paul Roth.
The official celebration program will be presented on January 11 and 12, prior to the scheduled performances.
Historical Significance
The parish church of Mexilhoeira Grande is one of the oldest monuments in the Portimão municipality, built in the first half of the 16th century, funded by the Castelo Branco family, counts of Vila Nova de Portimão. This celebration also marks the 50th anniversary of the Jesuits' return to the Algarve, highlighting two significant periods:
- The first, from the late 17th century with the establishment of the Colégio de São Francisco Xavier until the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759.
- The second, in the 20th century, when young Jesuit priests Arsénio Castro da Silva and Domingos Monteiro da Costa returned to the Algarve in 1975, establishing their presence in the parishes of Portimão.
Father Domingos Monteiro da Costa, ordained in 1972, has been involved in pastoral work in Mexilhoeira Grande and surrounding areas since 1975.
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