History
In 1854, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary came about. It was promulgated by Pius IX, Pope from 1846 to 1878, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti (1792-1878). It then became ecclesiastically established that Mary was born without original sin. In 1855, the Diocese of Braga was the first in Portugal to celebrate this. Soon after the promulgation of the dogma, plans were made to build a church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. On Mount Sameiro then arose the first Portuguese church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
The construction of the church began on 14 July 1863 and was only completed in 1953. The church is in a Neoclassical style. Since 1880, the pilgrimage church has housed the miraculous image, which is the work of artist Eugenio Maccagnani (1852-1930).
On 28 August 1869, the effigy of Mary is consecrated in the open air. The statue was made by Emidio Carlo Amatucci (1811-1872). An electricity failure in 1883 destroys the small building with the statue of Mary. In 1886, another effigy of Mary is put in place. The statue of Mary is by sculptor Antonio Teixera Lopes (1866-1942).
The crowning of the grace image of the pilgrimage church takes place on 12 June 1904 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1854 dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The crowning is performed by José (Giuseppe) Macchi (1845-1906), nuncio to Portugal (1904-1906).
In 1979, the pilgrimage site underwent an expansion with a crypt next to the church. Here lies the founder of the sanctuary; Father Martinho António Pereira da Silva (1812-1875). He was a great promoter of the significance of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
On 15 May 1982, the sanctuary received a papal visit. John Paul II, Pope from 1978-2005, born Karol Józef Wojtyla (1920-2005), came to Sameiro.
On 8 December 2004, Pope John Paul II awarded the Golden Rose to the Marian shrine due to the great significance of the sanctuary for visitors.
Pilgrimage site
The pilgrimage site of Sameiro is located a few kilometres west of the episcopal city of Braga on the mountain “Monte Sameiro”, which is 350 metres above sea level. Monte Sameiro offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Near this sanctuary is another pilgrimage site, namely the “Santuario do Bom Jesus do Monte”.
The peak pilgrimage seasons for Sameiro are particularly the first Sunday in June and the third Sunday in August.
Throughout the year, Maria receives visitors at the pilgrimage site. This Marian shrine is therefore open every day.
The image of Mary as the Immaculate Conception is central to the choir.
After Fátima, the sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro is the most visited Marian shrine in Portugal. Sameiro therefore holds great religious significance.
On the grounds of the Marian sanctuary, there is also a Lourdes grotto.
ACCESSIBILITY
The pilgrimage site is located in the north of Portugal, near the city of Braga.
Address: Avenida Nossa Senhora do Sameiro 44, 4715-616 Braga.
More information can be found at www.santuariodosameiro.pt.
Experience
On reaching the city of Braga, it flashes through my mind that I am almost at the pilgrimage site of Sameiro. A few more kilometres to drive…
As you leave the city of Braga, the road begins to climb, eventually leading you to the Marian shrine situated at over 300 metres altitude. The distance to heaven has now become a little shorter. The car finds a parking spot, and then I take a walk around the grounds. What a large pilgrimage site this is, and even though it's cloudy and rainy, what a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape!
After completing my rounds, I'll go to church. Once inside, I'll admire the artistic splendour and notice that Mary has a frequent presence in this house of worship. Mary is depicted on the high altar as the Immaculate Conception. What a beautiful statue of Our Lady! This is the place to pray to Mary, and my thoughts turn to a few friends who are struggling with their health.
After visiting the pilgrimage church, go to the nearby building where there's something to drink for visitors. There are hardly any pilgrims to be seen. Today's heavy rain…
Environment
Starting from the city of Braga, it is 13 km to go east to arrive in Sameiro.
From Porto, it is 61 km to travel north-east to reach Sameiro.
From the pilgrimage site of Lamego, it is 144 km to travel north-west to arrive in Sameiro.
From the pilgrimage site of Peneda, it is 107 km north to visit Sameiro.
Leaving the great pilgrimage site of Fatima to reach Sameiro is a journey of 249 km to the north.
From the capital Lisbon, it is 370 km to go north to arrive at the pilgrimage site of Sameiro.
Posted: 8 December 2024
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