Adoremus

On July 16, 1251, the Carmelite Order traditionally commemorates a miraculous vision said to have been experienced by Saint Simon Stock, an English Carmelite friar and early leader of the order. According to Carmelite tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Simon and presented him with the Brown Scapular, promising spiritual protection to those who wore it with devotion.

The story became one of the most important traditions in Carmelite spirituality, helping spread devotion to the scapular throughout the Catholic world. The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, celebrated on July 16, is closely connected with this tradition and remains a significant religious observance for Carmelites and many Catholics.

Alminhas | “Little Souls” – Portuguese Catholic Traditions, Festivals and Devotions — Part I

In Portugal, small wayside shrines are traditionally called alminhas (literally, little souls), usually in the form of a niche, topped by a cross and built outdoors in the most varied materials, depending on the region. They aim to remind the living to stop and leave a prayer, and sometimes an alms, for the suffering souls in the purgatory, often through more or less eloquent inscriptions (2nd photo*). To this day, it's normal to find lit candles and lamps, or other sorts of offerings such as olive oil and flowers, left by locals or people passing by in such shrines.

Usually, the alminhas are erected on rural roads (but also in some urban centers), and crossing points, between paths, such as in the middle of intersections, bridge entrances, high points, along national roads or even on doorsteps. Its topographic location is related not only to the cult of the dead, but also to the protection of travelers on paths and places of passage.

From left to right:

1) Alminhas do Valado, in Seixo de Ansiães (Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province) – niche inserted in a wall next to an intersection, with a tile panel representing the image of the crucified Christ and in the lower plane three angels rescuing souls from the fire of Purgatory. At the base of the panel an inscription states: «Piedosíssimo Senhor Jesus, dai-lhes o descanso sempiterno. Amen» (Most Merciful Lord Jesus, give them eternal rest. Amen).

2) Alminhas (unknown place in the north of Portugal) – niche inserted in a wall, topped with a cross, with a tile panel representing the image of the crucified Christ, with saint Michael the archangel on His right, and Saint Anthony (or Francis?) holding the Child Jesus on His left, and in the lower plane the souls suffering in the fire of Purgatory. At the base of the panel an inscription states: «Vós que estais passando, lembrai-vos de nós que estamos penando» (Thee who are passing by, remember us who are suffering).

3) Alminhas Samardã in Vilarinho da Samardã (Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province) – niche inserted in a property wall next to a traditional portuguese stone granary (espigueiro), with a tile panel representing the image of the archangel Saint Michael vanquishing satan and in the lower plane three angels rescuing souls from the fire of Purgatory.

“Deseo poco y lo poco que deseo lo deseo poco .”

"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - #GospelofMatthew 28:20 #TheAscensionoftheLord 

"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - #GospelofMatthew 28:20 #TheAscensionoftheLord 

"The Sacred Heart is the expression of divine love for humanity." - #PopePiusXII #TheSeasonofEaster #SeasonofEaster