Versão portuguesa aqui.

GPS 38.67891561515698, -9.17136579001096

Inspiration is “born” in Brazil

The idea of ​​building the Monument to Christ the King appeared in 1934, during a visit to Brazil by the then Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira. As he passed through Rio de Janeiro, he saw the imposing image of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and soon in his heart the desire to build a similar work in front of Lisbon was born.

In 1936, the idea of ​​building the Monument to Christ the King was passed on to the “Apostolate of Prayer”, which enthusiastically welcomed it. To be National, the Monument needed the approval and cooperation of all Portuguese Bishops. Such sensitization to the Bishops is achieved, being officially proclaimed in the Pastoral Colectiva da Lent of 1937.

Sociopolitical context

The economic and social conditions that Western countries faced after World War I (1914-1918), forced the reconstruction of economies, indebtedness, overproduction crises. The fall in stock values ​​on the New York stock exchange also led to a deep economic recession in 1929 (which continued into the 1930s), causing social unrest, mass unemployment and consequent poverty.

All these conditions raised serious problems for liberal democracy governments, which had emerged victorious from the war, whose policies guided most western countries. This fact, combined with the demonstrated inability to resolve the current crisis, raised a wave of discontent among the population and gave rise to the growth of opposition forces, mainly with the radicalist left movements - marked by the advance of Marxist-Leninist socialism in Russia - and from the right in Italy and Germany, two nations that had felt hardest hit by the war. In Germany, unemployment was even around 43 percent, but with the arrival of Hitler to power in 1933, a policy of rearmament was undertaken (which proved to be central to the beginning of World War II) which created jobs, something that left the German people surrendered to this new politician, who would later be responsible for thousands of deaths. In the Soviet Union, there were also numerous massacres, namely with the extermination of wealthy farmers, the "Kulak".

In Portugal, social conditions were not much better and the conflicts arising from the First Republic gave rise to a conservative reaction, which culminated in the coup of May 28, 1926, perpetrated by the army and supported mainly by moderate republicans, monarchists and Catholics of various factions. . Discontent was general and growing even among the Portuguese middle classes, which had been the main supporters of the Republic. Strikes followed one another and this climate was only overcome with the victory of General Óscar Carmona in the presidential elections of 1928 and with the choice of António de Oliveira Salazar as Minister of Finance. Salazar managed to balance the national accounts, which guaranteed him great prestige. Later, in 1932, Salazar is appointed head of government and in 1933 a new Constitution is promulgated, which resulted in the Estado Novo, a regime under the personal government of Salazar until 1968. The national political system then became a corporative regime, defining himself as authoritarian, nationalist and colonial.

Neighboring Spain was going through a bloody Civil War, which began in 1936 and was also threatened by the danger of the proliferation of atheistic communism in countries said to have a Christian tradition, something that Our Lady, in Fatima, had already predicted when she stated that Russia would spread the his mistakes around the world.

Prophecy of Our Lady of Fatima

"On July 13, 1917, in Fátima, Our Lady appeared to the Three Little Shepherds, in what was Her third apparition in Cova de Iria. On that day, she revealed the "secret of Fatima" to Jacinta, Lúcia and Francisco. Requested by the Bishop , Lucia later unveiled the content of the secret in 1937. Our Lady stated that sacrifice for sinners was essential and, among several prophecies, added that Russia would spread its errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecutions of the Church, something that was being fulfilled, because in addition to the communist government of this country in eastern Europe, Mexico was also governed by the same ideology."

At an ecclesial level, we are experiencing the beginning of Catholic Action, where it was necessary to proclaim the social reign of Christ in the face of the arrogance of the atheist world. Christian nations should recognize the Kingship of Christ, taking inspiration from divine legislation as guiding principles for common life.

Faced with this social and political context experienced in the 1930s, the Portuguese Bishops pointed out three reasons for the construction of the Monument to Christ the King:

1 – The duty of a social reparation for the universal conspiracy of Christ

2 – A great duty of national gratitude, because unlike other countries, in Portugal, by a singular providence people lived in peace, in spiritual progress and the monument would thus be a deep and heartfelt gratitude to Christ.

3 – A demand for national restoration

In 1939, World War II began and it was during this period that the idea of ​​building the Monument to Christ the King gained new meaning and strength.

On April 20, 1940, in Fátima, the national bishops, at the end of their annual retreat, formulated the following vow: “If Portugal were spared from the War, a Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus would be erected over Lisbon, a sign visible of how God, through Love, desires to conquer all humanity for Himself”.

Portugal maintained a position of neutrality in World War II, not participating directly in war actions and this fact was decisive for the start of a national fundraising campaign, so that the construction would be a reality. However, this campaign became slow due to the context of war. Even so, and despite all the difficulties, in 1941 the land was acquired for the construction of the Monument.

About a year after the end of World War II, on January 18, 1946, in the Pastoral Colectiva, the Portuguese Episcopate, in addition to referring to the 3rd Centenary of the Coronation of Nossa Senhora da Conceição as Patroness of Portugal, formally declared the promise to erect the Monument to Christ the King and, from then on, the fundraising campaign was actively intensified.

We should also mention the participation of all Portuguese children in the fundraising campaign for the construction of the Monument, a campaign called “Pequeninas Stones” extending from 1939 to 1958.

The principle that guided this campaign was above all the value of children's sacrifice and the effectiveness of their prayer.

Throughout the year, the children would renounce something, putting that renouncement in a piggy bank that was then deposited in the Crib of their Parishes on the day of the Holy Innocents (28 December).

It should be noted that this Campaign raised around €7,500.00.

In the history, so full of greatness and faith, of devotion to Christ and especially to his Most Sacred Heart, there is something very important that deserves mention to explain the date for laying the first stone of the Monument.

In the city of Porto, coincidentally the “City of the Virgin”, lived Sister Maria do Divino Coração, who influenced Pope Leo XIII to determine the consecration of the entire human race to the Heart of Jesus. In 1949, the 50th anniversary of this pompous religious event was celebrated and for this reason Cardinal Cerejeira purposely chose that year.

On December 18, the 1st Stone of the Monument to Christ the King is solemnly laid.

Two years later, work began on the foundations and finally, in 1952, the company Obras Públicas e Cimento Armado (OPCA) began building the foundations. The work was carried out using a special formwork system, that is, the so-called traveling moulds, in which the scaffolding was the structure itself, receiving the concrete, on which the pedestal of the image of Christ the King could be seen growing, layer after layer.

The image was built into the structure itself, using plaster molds, previously prepared from the model.

In total, around 40 thousand tons of concrete were used. Once built, it was carved by hand in meticulous work, developed more than a hundred meters from the ground.

It should be noted that no man died in the construction of this imposing monument.

On May 17, 1959 (Pentecost Day) before the image of Our Lady of Fátima, with the participation of the entire Portuguese Episcopate, the Cardinals of Rio de Janeiro and Lourenço Marques (Maputo), civil authorities and 300,000 people , the Monument was inaugurated. His Holiness Pope John XXIII was present by radio message. On the occasion, Cardinal Cerejeira made an eloquent consideration: "This will always be a sign of National Gratitude for the gift of Peace".

It should be noted that the image of Christ the King is by Master Francisco Franco and the image of Our Lady of Peace, which is in the Chapel of the Monument, is by Master Leopoldo de Almeida, the project being authored by the architect António Lino and Engineer D. Francisco de Mello e Castro.

The Cristo Rei Monument is a divine lighthouse, a message of love, a grandiose profession of Faith!

As Monsignor Moreira das Neves wrote:

"Sails that pass the Tagus below. It is to see themAll pride and glorySails that pass the Tagus below... In them Go dreams of making future and history.

Candles that pass above the Tagus... Beyond The rose is born from the Sun that illuminates them. Candles that pass above the Tagus... Who makes them walk in the divine morning

Maybe it's not the wind... Maybe not. Just the light to wake them up, soon the candlesOpen in the sky in love, and go As if there was an angel waiting for them!

Maybe it's not the wind or the light. Maybe it's nothing but this: The eternal appeal of the Sign of the Cross, Which is the sign of Jesus Christ on earth."

The most recent changes to the Sanctuary

In 1984, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Sanctuary of Christ the King, a General Planning Plan for the grounds of the Sanctuary was approved, designed by the architects Luiz Cunha and Domingos Ávila Gomes. From this project, the Reception Building of the Sanctuary was built, where the Rectory and Administrative Services operate, as well as a Chapel, Meeting Rooms and galleries for exhibitions.

In June 1999 the Sanctuary passed under the tutelage of the Diocese of Setúbal. Immediate priority was given to the restoration of the Monument. With the technical support of Universidade Nova de Lisboa – Faculty of Science and Technology. The works began in May 2001, and the Monument was solemnly reopened on the 1st of February 2002. Confirming its nature as a National Sanctuary, it was decided by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference that the Offertories across the country on 23/11/2003 revert to to help pay for the restoration work.

In June 2004, a cafeteria was inaugurated with capacity for 150 people and two dormitories for young people with capacity for eleven girls and ten boys. On May 17, 2005, the João Paulo II Multipurpose Room was inaugurated, comprising a dining room for 150 people and a room for 80 people.

On the same day, the "Young Space" began operating, consisting of two dormitories with capacity, one for 22 people and the other for 30 people, a dining room for 55 people and a kitchen.

All this equipment was made to better serve the pilgrims who visit us in organized groups, namely Retreats and Recollections.

In 2006, improvements to the Monument to Christ the King began, namely on the 17th of May, work was inaugurated on the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, counting on the collaboration of the Architect João de Sousa Araújo.

On May 17, 2007, the Sala Beato João XXIII was inaugurated, which contains eight oil paintings alluding to the Encyclical “Pax in Terris”, by this Pope and a statue of the Angel of Portugal, all by the same architect. The space surrounding the elevator area was also inaugurated.

On the same day, the ancient High Cross of the Sanctuary of Fátima was placed in front of the Monument, offered to the Sanctuary of Christ the King and months later, on November 25, 2007, the remodeling of the Main Sacristy of the Chapel of the Monument was inaugurated, including the restoration of the original model of the image of Christ the King, by sculptor Francisco Franco.

On May 17, 2008, the “Chapel of the Confidants of the Heart of Jesus” was inaugurated, containing the relics of Santa Margarida Maria Alacoque, São João Eudes, Beata Maria do Divino Coração and Santa Faustina Kowalska. On this day, the “Ten Commandments” in bronze were also inaugurated, having been placed on the main front of the monument.

On the Sunday of Christ the King of the same year, a Way of the Cross was inaugurated in the Chapel of the Monument, which at each Station corresponds to the Passion of Christ with the current world situation.

On the 6th of January 2009, in the Capela do Santíssimo Sacramento, two paintings alluding to the revelations that Jesus made to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, and another one above the Tabernacle, were inaugurated”.

History of the Sanctuary Guardianship change

The Sanctuary of Christ the King is undoubtedly a historical reference for spirituality in the first half of the 20th century in Portugal, and also an important reference for the history of the same century in the Patriarchate of Lisbon.

When, in 1975, Pope Paul VI created the Diocese of Setúbal, through the Bull “Studentes Nos” of 16 July, the Monument to Christ the King and the Seminary of Almada still belonged to the Patriarchate of Lisbon.

Full list of Geochaching below:

https://mirror.xyz/madeinpt.eth/I5tjF3sn6ugnUw3nBnKOpOUr2DEh_g6cTN-0hivKCgc

*Released*✅ *Reviewed*✅ Approved✅
Curator Body
0xDBf7D77231251Cb30772582d0af63D7F5Aa98300 0xfa056236FBC67e1F40B41b987558F48Ab78666e0 0x68af894920213658F54aCB51694aF9AD0D2446fC 0xa9fdA291a97eA4CC8D07fA1f89473f79F171490C 0x5FE9800731bF29C08B23539E9BdC0F9453666572

Versão portuguesa aqui.

GPS 38.67891561515698, -9.17136579001096

Inspiration is “born” in Brazil

The idea of ​​building the Monument to Christ the King appeared in 1934, during a visit to Brazil by the then Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira. As he passed through Rio de Janeiro, he saw the imposing image of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and soon in his heart the desire to build a similar work in front of Lisbon was born.

In 1936, the idea of ​​building the Monument to Christ the King was passed on to the “Apostolate of Prayer”, which enthusiastically welcomed it. To be National, the Monument needed the approval and cooperation of all Portuguese Bishops. Such sensitization to the Bishops is achieved, being officially proclaimed in the Pastoral Colectiva da Lent of 1937.

Sociopolitical context

The economic and social conditions that Western countries faced after World War I (1914-1918), forced the reconstruction of economies, indebtedness, overproduction crises. The fall in stock values ​​on the New York stock exchange also led to a deep economic recession in 1929 (which continued into the 1930s), causing social unrest, mass unemployment and consequent poverty.

All these conditions raised serious problems for liberal democracy governments, which had emerged victorious from the war, whose policies guided most western countries. This fact, combined with the demonstrated inability to resolve the current crisis, raised a wave of discontent among the population and gave rise to the growth of opposition forces, mainly with the radicalist left movements - marked by the advance of Marxist-Leninist socialism in Russia - and from the right in Italy and Germany, two nations that had felt hardest hit by the war. In Germany, unemployment was even around 43 percent, but with the arrival of Hitler to power in 1933, a policy of rearmament was undertaken (which proved to be central to the beginning of World War II) which created jobs, something that left the German people surrendered to this new politician, who would later be responsible for thousands of deaths. In the Soviet Union, there were also numerous massacres, namely with the extermination of wealthy farmers, the "Kulak".

In Portugal, social conditions were not much better and the conflicts arising from the First Republic gave rise to a conservative reaction, which culminated in the coup of May 28, 1926, perpetrated by the army and supported mainly by moderate republicans, monarchists and Catholics of various factions. . Discontent was general and growing even among the Portuguese middle classes, which had been the main supporters of the Republic. Strikes followed one another and this climate was only overcome with the victory of General Óscar Carmona in the presidential elections of 1928 and with the choice of António de Oliveira Salazar as Minister of Finance. Salazar managed to balance the national accounts, which guaranteed him great prestige. Later, in 1932, Salazar is appointed head of government and in 1933 a new Constitution is promulgated, which resulted in the Estado Novo, a regime under the personal government of Salazar until 1968. The national political system then became a corporative regime, defining himself as authoritarian, nationalist and colonial.

Neighboring Spain was going through a bloody Civil War, which began in 1936 and was also threatened by the danger of the proliferation of atheistic communism in countries said to have a Christian tradition, something that Our Lady, in Fatima, had already predicted when she stated that Russia would spread the his mistakes around the world.

Prophecy of Our Lady of Fatima

"On July 13, 1917, in Fátima, Our Lady appeared to the Three Little Shepherds, in what was Her third apparition in Cova de Iria. On that day, she revealed the "secret of Fatima" to Jacinta, Lúcia and Francisco. Requested by the Bishop , Lucia later unveiled the content of the secret in 1937. Our Lady stated that sacrifice for sinners was essential and, among several prophecies, added that Russia would spread its errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecutions of the Church, something that was being fulfilled, because in addition to the communist government of this country in eastern Europe, Mexico was also governed by the same ideology."

At an ecclesial level, we are experiencing the beginning of Catholic Action, where it was necessary to proclaim the social reign of Christ in the face of the arrogance of the atheist world. Christian nations should recognize the Kingship of Christ, taking inspiration from divine legislation as guiding principles for common life.

Faced with this social and political context experienced in the 1930s, the Portuguese Bishops pointed out three reasons for the construction of the Monument to Christ the King:

1 – The duty of a social reparation for the universal conspiracy of Christ

2 – A great duty of national gratitude, because unlike other countries, in Portugal, by a singular providence people lived in peace, in spiritual progress and the monument would thus be a deep and heartfelt gratitude to Christ.

3 – A demand for national restoration

In 1939, World War II began and it was during this period that the idea of ​​building the Monument to Christ the King gained new meaning and strength.

On April 20, 1940, in Fátima, the national bishops, at the end of their annual retreat, formulated the following vow: “If Portugal were spared from the War, a Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus would be erected over Lisbon, a sign visible of how God, through Love, desires to conquer all humanity for Himself”.

Portugal maintained a position of neutrality in World War II, not participating directly in war actions and this fact was decisive for the start of a national fundraising campaign, so that the construction would be a reality. However, this campaign became slow due to the context of war. Even so, and despite all the difficulties, in 1941 the land was acquired for the construction of the Monument.

About a year after the end of World War II, on January 18, 1946, in the Pastoral Colectiva, the Portuguese Episcopate, in addition to referring to the 3rd Centenary of the Coronation of Nossa Senhora da Conceição as Patroness of Portugal, formally declared the promise to erect the Monument to Christ the King and, from then on, the fundraising campaign was actively intensified.

We should also mention the participation of all Portuguese children in the fundraising campaign for the construction of the Monument, a campaign called “Pequeninas Stones” extending from 1939 to 1958.

The principle that guided this campaign was above all the value of children's sacrifice and the effectiveness of their prayer.

Throughout the year, the children would renounce something, putting that renouncement in a piggy bank that was then deposited in the Crib of their Parishes on the day of the Holy Innocents (28 December).

It should be noted that this Campaign raised around €7,500.00.

In the history, so full of greatness and faith, of devotion to Christ and especially to his Most Sacred Heart, there is something very important that deserves mention to explain the date for laying the first stone of the Monument.

In the city of Porto, coincidentally the “City of the Virgin”, lived Sister Maria do Divino Coração, who influenced Pope Leo XIII to determine the consecration of the entire human race to the Heart of Jesus. In 1949, the 50th anniversary of this pompous religious event was celebrated and for this reason Cardinal Cerejeira purposely chose that year.

On December 18, the 1st Stone of the Monument to Christ the King is solemnly laid.

Two years later, work began on the foundations and finally, in 1952, the company Obras Públicas e Cimento Armado (OPCA) began building the foundations. The work was carried out using a special formwork system, that is, the so-called traveling moulds, in which the scaffolding was the structure itself, receiving the concrete, on which the pedestal of the image of Christ the King could be seen growing, layer after layer.

The image was built into the structure itself, using plaster molds, previously prepared from the model.

In total, around 40 thousand tons of concrete were used. Once built, it was carved by hand in meticulous work, developed more than a hundred meters from the ground.

It should be noted that no man died in the construction of this imposing monument.

On May 17, 1959 (Pentecost Day) before the image of Our Lady of Fátima, with the participation of the entire Portuguese Episcopate, the Cardinals of Rio de Janeiro and Lourenço Marques (Maputo), civil authorities and 300,000 people , the Monument was inaugurated. His Holiness Pope John XXIII was present by radio message. On the occasion, Cardinal Cerejeira made an eloquent consideration: "This will always be a sign of National Gratitude for the gift of Peace".

It should be noted that the image of Christ the King is by Master Francisco Franco and the image of Our Lady of Peace, which is in the Chapel of the Monument, is by Master Leopoldo de Almeida, the project being authored by the architect António Lino and Engineer D. Francisco de Mello e Castro.

The Cristo Rei Monument is a divine lighthouse, a message of love, a grandiose profession of Faith!

As Monsignor Moreira das Neves wrote:

"Sails that pass the Tagus below. It is to see themAll pride and glorySails that pass the Tagus below... In them Go dreams of making future and history.

Candles that pass above the Tagus... Beyond The rose is born from the Sun that illuminates them. Candles that pass above the Tagus... Who makes them walk in the divine morning

Maybe it's not the wind... Maybe not. Just the light to wake them up, soon the candlesOpen in the sky in love, and go As if there was an angel waiting for them!

Maybe it's not the wind or the light. Maybe it's nothing but this: The eternal appeal of the Sign of the Cross, Which is the sign of Jesus Christ on earth."

The most recent changes to the Sanctuary

In 1984, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Sanctuary of Christ the King, a General Planning Plan for the grounds of the Sanctuary was approved, designed by the architects Luiz Cunha and Domingos Ávila Gomes. From this project, the Reception Building of the Sanctuary was built, where the Rectory and Administrative Services operate, as well as a Chapel, Meeting Rooms and galleries for exhibitions.

In June 1999 the Sanctuary passed under the tutelage of the Diocese of Setúbal. Immediate priority was given to the restoration of the Monument. With the technical support of Universidade Nova de Lisboa – Faculty of Science and Technology. The works began in May 2001, and the Monument was solemnly reopened on the 1st of February 2002. Confirming its nature as a National Sanctuary, it was decided by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference that the Offertories across the country on 23/11/2003 revert to to help pay for the restoration work.

In June 2004, a cafeteria was inaugurated with capacity for 150 people and two dormitories for young people with capacity for eleven girls and ten boys. On May 17, 2005, the João Paulo II Multipurpose Room was inaugurated, comprising a dining room for 150 people and a room for 80 people.

On the same day, the "Young Space" began operating, consisting of two dormitories with capacity, one for 22 people and the other for 30 people, a dining room for 55 people and a kitchen.

All this equipment was made to better serve the pilgrims who visit us in organized groups, namely Retreats and Recollections.

In 2006, improvements to the Monument to Christ the King began, namely on the 17th of May, work was inaugurated on the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, counting on the collaboration of the Architect João de Sousa Araújo.

On May 17, 2007, the Sala Beato João XXIII was inaugurated, which contains eight oil paintings alluding to the Encyclical “Pax in Terris”, by this Pope and a statue of the Angel of Portugal, all by the same architect. The space surrounding the elevator area was also inaugurated.

On the same day, the ancient High Cross of the Sanctuary of Fátima was placed in front of the Monument, offered to the Sanctuary of Christ the King and months later, on November 25, 2007, the remodeling of the Main Sacristy of the Chapel of the Monument was inaugurated, including the restoration of the original model of the image of Christ the King, by sculptor Francisco Franco.

On May 17, 2008, the “Chapel of the Confidants of the Heart of Jesus” was inaugurated, containing the relics of Santa Margarida Maria Alacoque, São João Eudes, Beata Maria do Divino Coração and Santa Faustina Kowalska. On this day, the “Ten Commandments” in bronze were also inaugurated, having been placed on the main front of the monument.

On the Sunday of Christ the King of the same year, a Way of the Cross was inaugurated in the Chapel of the Monument, which at each Station corresponds to the Passion of Christ with the current world situation.

On the 6th of January 2009, in the Capela do Santíssimo Sacramento, two paintings alluding to the revelations that Jesus made to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, and another one above the Tabernacle, were inaugurated”.

History of the Sanctuary Guardianship change

The Sanctuary of Christ the King is undoubtedly a historical reference for spirituality in the first half of the 20th century in Portugal, and also an important reference for the history of the same century in the Patriarchate of Lisbon.

When, in 1975, Pope Paul VI created the Diocese of Setúbal, through the Bull “Studentes Nos” of 16 July, the Monument to Christ the King and the Seminary of Almada still belonged to the Patriarchate of Lisbon.

Full list of Geochaching below:

https://mirror.xyz/madeinpt.eth/I5tjF3sn6ugnUw3nBnKOpOUr2DEh_g6cTN-0hivKCgc

*Released*✅ *Reviewed*✅ Approved✅
Curator Body
0xDBf7D77231251Cb30772582d0af63D7F5Aa98300 0xfa056236FBC67e1F40B41b987558F48Ab78666e0 0x68af894920213658F54aCB51694aF9AD0D2446fC 0xa9fdA291a97eA4CC8D07fA1f89473f79F171490C 0x5FE9800731bF29C08B23539E9BdC0F9453666572