“Bom Sucesso” translates to “Good Fortune” in English. The Convento de Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso has quite a story. It is right here. This convent’s origins trace back to a remarkable act of generosity and a haven for Irish nuns fleeing persecution.
In 1628, D. Iria de Brito the Countess of Atalaia donated her estate in Pedrouços. She wanted a retreat for Jerónima nuns dedicated to Santa Paula. However, fate had other plans.
Dominic O’Daly an Irish Dominican friar known in Portugal as Friar Domingos do Rosário secured permission from King Philip III in 1639. He established a Dominican convent on the Countess of Atalaia’s former estate. It was to shelter around 50 Irish nuns. They were escaping anti-Catholic persecution in England.
The first stone of this sanctuary dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso was laid in 1645. The architect remains unknown. By 1670 the church was complete. The Blessed Sacrament was moved inside. Construction of the convent complex finished in 1688. Master stonemason Manuel Cerqueira de Campos built the dormitories.
Remarkably the Convento de Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso retained its 17th-century design. It largely withstood the devastating earthquake of 1755. Enclosed by a wall with a recessed gate the monastery features a courtyard. This courtyard provides access to the convent building on the left and the church on the right.
The layout centers around a two-story cloister. The ground floor has an arcade. The upper floor features a balcony. A fountain stands in the center. The convent building attached to the square has a third floor.
Despite being expelled in 1823 the community returned after only five weeks. They dedicated themselves to teaching and religious education. The educational institution grew. It initially served descendants of Irish Catholics. Later it expanded to include the wider community.
After the extinction of religious orders in 1860 the Convento da Senhora do Bom Sucesso still housed a sizable community of nuns. It became a girls’ school. At first, it was only for descendants of Irish Catholics. The school continues to operate today. In 1955 the nuns ended their cloistered life. The educational activities broadened even further.
Inside the church is a highlight. It is the altarpiece with a canopy. Oil paintings attributed to Bento Coelho da Silveira are integrated. Six side panels feature rounded arches. These arches house carved altars topped with paintings of Dominican saints.
The Igreja do Convento de Dominicanas Irlandesas is the oldest of its kind in the world. It was founded in 1639. It sheltered Irish nuns fleeing persecution. The church was consecrated in 1670.
The main façade’s portal has a niche with an image of Our Lady. It marks the entrance to an octagonal temple. Notable features include the altarpieces. The main altar is made of marble and jasper. It houses paintings by Bento Coelho da Silveira and a silver tabernacle with a silver royal crown. The side altars feature gilded carvings. Also noteworthy are the two choirs with their stalls carved altars and tile coverings.
Today the Convento de Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso stands as a testament to faith resilience and the enduring power of community.