“Did you know that Igreja do Senhor das Chagas – Infias is home to a truly miraculous image?” This is no mere religious icon. It is a source of faith and wonder for the people of Infias. Let’s step closer to uncover its story.
The Igreja do Senhor das Chagas – Infias stands as a testament to faith. Its history is intertwined with the devotion of the people of Infias. The church’s main devotion centers around an image of Christ Crucified. It is known as Senhor das Chagas.
Locals believed this image was incredibly miraculous. According to the Memória Paroquial of 1758, Senhor das Chagas performed many miracles. During times of drought, they would take the image to Guimarães. They placed it in the Convent of São José das religiosas do Carmo Calçadas. Only after the petition was fulfilled would the image return to the Igreja do Senhor das Chagas – Infias.
But the miracles didn’t stop there. People testified to other continuous wonders. Portraits of these miracles hung around the altar. Even the water touched to the image’s feet was said to cure fevers.
The people of Infias held a special pilgrimage. They carried the image of Senhor das Chagas to Senhora do Monte in Serzedelo. This happened every year on June 24th. It was an event exclusive to the people of Infias.
In 1883, the residents of Serzedelo decided to join the pilgrimage. They formed their own procession. It rivaled that of Infias. João Lopes de Faria described it as a competition. Each side tried to be more elaborate and elegant. Two music bands played. A large crowd gathered.
The rivalry escalated. As the processions returned to their churches, a fight broke out. Someone tried to seize one of the andores. The clash disrupted the event. The processions scattered. The fair dispersed.
The Igreja do Senhor das Chagas – Infias has a rich history. In 1758, the church belonged to the Archdiocese of Braga. It was under the presentation of the Reverend Mother Abbess. She was one of the religious figures from the Convent of Remédios in Braga.
The church had a single nave with three altars. The main altar housed the Blessed Sacrament. It also featured Nossa Senhora Padroeira, Menino Deus, and São Sebastião. There were two side altars. One was dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário. It had a confraternity and was a privileged, perpetual altar. The other held the miraculous image of Cristo Crucificado. This was the Senhor das Chagas.
The image of Senhor das Chagas also has its own brotherhood. They possessed all necessary vestments for functions. They also provide funerals for their members. They had an indulgence from the Holy See. Masses said by the brotherhood at any altar in the church were considered privileged.
Tradition says the sacred image washed up on the shore. A local man from the parish found it. He brought it to the Igreja do Senhor das Chagas – Infias.
The Igreja do Senhor das Chagas – Infias is more than just a building. It’s a repository of faith. It is a symbol of the enduring power of belief. As you stand here remember the stories of miracles. Think about the devotion of the people of Infias. Feel the weight of history.