In 2016, the Diocese of Algarve celebrates the II Centenary of D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar, Bishop from 1789 until his death in 1816. The program of commemorations begins this month and will continue until December.
The first initiative is scheduled for this Friday, the 20th, at the Sé Catedral de Faro, at 21:15 pm, with the presentation da Cantata Mundi, by Rodrigo Leão, performed by Coral Ossónoba, orchestra and historic organ of the Cathedral, with the baritone Rui Baeta as soloist.
Still in May, but on the 27th, at 21 pm, Anísio Franco, senior technician at the National Museum of Ancient Art, in Lisbon, will give a speech at the São José Seminary Hall (Faro), the conference “The commission of figurative painting by the Bishop of Algarve, D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar”.
Several initiatives are planned for July, namely two conferences, both held at the Seminary of S. José, at 21 pm: the first, on the 15st, given by José Eduardo Horta Correia, which will address “The meaning of the patronage of the bishop of Algarve D . Francisco Gomes do Avelar”, and the second is scheduled for the 1th, under the responsibility of Francisco Lameira, professor at the University of Algarve, who will speak on “The commission of altarpieces by the Bishop of Algarve D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar”.
On the 19th of July, the anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of Faro, there will be a Eucharist at 18:00, while at 21:30, there will be a concert by the Coral Ossónoba and the historic organ of the Cathedral, with the performance of Mozart's “Coronation Mass”.
A concert by the Choir “II Chapter” is scheduled for the 30th of July, after the Eucharist at 21:30 pm, the program for that month being closed.
In August, the program continues with the presentation of the Marian Oratory at the Cathedral of Faro, played by Teresa Salgueiro. This concert is scheduled for the 12th, at 21 pm.
The program for the commemorations of the II Centenary of the Death of D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar will continue until December, and according to the Diocese of Algarve, the remaining program “will be announced in due course”.
The Diocese explains that «D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar was an esteemed prelate, both by the educated and the simple, having traveled throughout the region, becoming aware of the needs of the diocesans, for whom he began to be nicknamed “holy bishop”, attributing to him notables miracles, which the oral tradition has retained».
The former bishop of the Algarve was, according to the same entity, a «determined builder and restorer of the Algarve and even prestigious as governor of arms, a position that was conferred on him from 1808».
According to the Diocese, “nothing escaped its pastoral zeal: attention to agriculture, to which it dedicated pastorals on the respective treatment; the construction of bridges and roads; attention to the cultivation, preparation and sale of figs, or advice on grafting wild olive trees, give it a unique social role among all the prelates who occupied the Sé do Algarve».
The city of Faro, «owes it an Italianizing urban redefinition of neoclassical taste of enormous importance. It is he who calls the Genoese architect Francisco Xavier Fabri, author of the design of Arco da Vila. Also noteworthy is the building of the Seminary and Hospital da Misericórdia, which, as a provider, makes building, and which fits into this urban renewal. In addition, with the help of Fabri, he went to other works, such as the Church of Estoi and the Church of Aljezur», adds the Diocese.
His commitment and work were recognized by the Holy See, which, in 1714, conferred on him the personal title of Archbishop.
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