Barefoot monks once walked these grounds. Their story begins in the late 16th century. It echoes through the Convento de Eremitas Descalços de Santo Agostinho.
This convent wasn’t just a building. It embodied a spiritual movement. The Order of the Discalced Augustinians sought renewal within the larger Augustinian Order. They embraced poverty and devotion. Sandals became their symbol of detachment. They showed penitence and total commitment to divine providence.
In 1592, the Order of Saint Augustine responded to the Council of Trent. The Council wanted religious orders to reinforce discipline. They wanted stricter observance of vows. Poverty, chastity and obedience were key. A decree called for reform in all convents. Naples answered the call. Some monks formed the first reformed community. They gathered at the Convent of Santa Maria dell’Olivella.
On July 20, 1592, these monks changed their lives. They donned rough wool robes. They went barefoot. This marked the beginning of the Discalced Augustinians. Pope Clement VIII approved the new order. It spread through Italy. Then it reached France and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In 1663, the Discalced Augustinians arrived in Portugal from Spain. They first settled in Grilo, Lisbon. Locals quickly embraced them. They became known as the “Grilo Friars.” By the early 1700s, the order peaked. It boasted over two thousand members including brothers and priests.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, they ventured beyond Europe. Alongside missionaries, they served in Tonkin, now Vietnam. Their dedication stood out. Friar Hilário Costa de Jesus was named bishop. Pope Clement XII appointed him in 1735. He became coadjutor of the Apostolic Vicariate of Eastern Tonkin.
The order also ministered in China. They worked as professionals to spread their message. Dom Frei João Damasceno Salustri da Conceição stands out. Pope Pius VI named him Bishop of Beijing in 1778. Much later, the Order expanded to Brazil in 1948. In 1994, they reached the Philippines.
The Discalced Augustinians were part of a larger family. This included Augustinian Hermits and Augustinian Religious Sisters. Also, there were the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. The Discalced Augustinians emerged from a reform in 1592. The Augustinian Recollects followed in 1588.
The story of Convento de Eremitas Descalços de Santo Agostinho highlights faith. It shows reform and global outreach. From simple sandals to distant lands, their impact remains. The barefoot monks left a lasting mark on Lisbon and beyond.