“A niche transformed into a house of faith.” That’s the story of Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário. We stand before a place that has seen Lisbon change.
Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário began as a simple niche. This niche was dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. Some devoted people wanted something more.
In 1748 they built a chapel where the niche once stood. They got permission from the Prior of São Vicente Monastery. This marked the start of Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
These people formed a brotherhood. The Prior gave them a rule. If they ever left the chapel, they had to seal the door with stone. This shows their commitment to Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
Let’s jump ahead in time. By 1759 Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário was known in the parish. Luís da Costa Barbuda a local prior mentioned it in his report. He described it as a foundation of devout individuals with a rosary.
Interestingly the nearby Rua da Verónica gets its name from this chapel. Norberto de Araújo connects the street’s name to the existence of Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
But the story doesn’t end there. The early 20th century brought big changes to Portugal. In 1914 the state separated from the church. The contents of Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário were inventoried. Then they were auctioned off. The chapel was secularized.
The remaining members of the brotherhood found a new home for their image of Our Lady. They moved it to the Igreja da Graça. Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário stood empty for a time.
In 1934 the Assembleia de Deus the first one in Lisbon rented the building. They turned it into a place of worship. Then in 1943 the interior became a factory making suitcases. Imagine suitcases where prayers once echoed.
Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário has transformed over the years. From a niche to a chapel to a factory and more. This place shows the ever changing face of Lisbon. It reminds us that faith and community can adapt to survive.
Casa Nossa Senhora do Rosário stands as a reminder of Lisbon’s past.