Hermitage of the Good Jesus of the Afflicted

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Ponta Delgada > Aflitos > Bom Jesus

Location

The Hermitage of Bom Jesus dos Aflitos is located in the locality of Aflitos, integrated within the Bom Jesus urbanization, in the parish of Fenais da Luz, municipality of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel. Its position reflects the historical and continuous presence of faith in the daily life of the local community, being fully integrated into the residential fabric of the area.

A History of Devotion

The construction of this hermitage dates back to the 18th century, a period debated between different origin dates. There are records indicating the start of works between 1756 and 1778, at the initiative of Manuel Rodrigues Pinheiro and Maria Francisca Alvoredo, benefactors of the region. However, the official license for its construction was only granted by Queen D. Maria I in 1787, through the Bishop of Angra. Before the current structure, a hermitage already existed on the site, known as a point of great popular devotion and pilgrimages. Over the centuries, the hermitage benefited from significant legacies, such as those left by Manuel de Sousa Resendes, aimed at ensuring weekly masses and its continuous preservation. The building underwent an expansion and received a new blessing in 1960, maintaining its religious activity and its central role for the community ever since.

Architectural Features and a Singular Cruzeiro

The Hermitage of Bom Jesus dos Aflitos features an irregular polygonal plan, and its structure is composed of the nave, the chancel, and annexes attached to the side facades. On the left side, a bell tower rises, while the main facade is topped with a gable, featuring a straight lintel portal. Ashlar quoins and cornices decorate the temple's facades. On the right side, a galilee was added to welcome pilgrims visiting the site.

One of the most notable and symbolically rich elements of the complex is the enigmatic cruzeiro, located in the northwest corner of the churchyard wall. Dedicated to the "Dead Man" or the "Lord of the Afflicted," this cruzeiro evokes the death of Christ and is a testament to popular art and faith. This type of monument, frequently found in Portuguese towns and villages, symbolizes piety for souls and the cult of the dead, sometimes being placed at crossroads with the purpose of warding off evil, such as demons or witches, according to popular belief. The cruzeiro of the Hermitage of Bom Jesus dos Aflitos stands out for the care and artistic excellence displayed in its carving.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt