Church of Saint Sebastian

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Calheta > Ribeira Seca

Location

Situated in the picturesque locality of Ribeira Seca, in the municipality of Calheta, the Church of São Sebastião stands with a privileged view. Its position is striking, overlooking the sea, offering a visual framework over the coastal landscape. The surroundings are tranquil, typical of an Azorean village that develops by the ocean.

From its churchyard, visitors can appreciate the vastness of the Atlantic and the natural beauty that characterizes this area of the island. The church integrates into the landscape, serving as a point of reference for those who explore the area and seek a moment of contemplation.

Its History and Evolution

The history of the Church of São Sebastião dates back to distant times, with indications of a temple preceding the formation of the Ribeira Seca parish, which was established around 1680. The building observed today resulted from a remarkable initiative in the 19th century, driven by the need for a new place of worship.

In 1852, faced with the deterioration of the old temple, construction began on the current church, next to the original one. This project was propelled by the effort and dedication of the then vicar, Father António Silveira de Ávila Furtado, with the generous support of the population and some public entities. Although the blessing of the new church occurred in 1856, the towers, distinctive elements of its facade, were only completed four years later, in 1860. Subsequently, in 1948, new bells and a clock were added to the front, as well as images of Saint Philomena and Saint Thérèse, enriching its heritage. In 1983, the church benefited from restoration works, maintaining its relevance for the community.

Architectural Features and Interior

When contemplating the Church of São Sebastião, its imposing size stands out. Built with a single nave, its interior is remarkably clear and spacious, extending for over thirty-six meters in length and about eight and a half meters in width. The amplitude of the space provides an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation.

One of the points of interest in its interior is the gilded carving present in the main altar, which adds a touch of richness and art to the space. In this altar, the image of Saint Sebastian is venerated, which was acquired by one of the vicars, Father Adolfo Machado Ferreira. The architecture of the church, although from the 19th century, maintains the robustness and elegant simplicity characteristic of Azorean religious constructions.

Its Devotions and Celebrations

The Church of São Sebastião is a center of deep devotion for the community of Ribeira Seca. Two annual festivities particularly mark the local calendar, attracting faithful and visitors who seek to participate in these traditions.

In January, the feast in honor of the patron saint, Saint Sebastian, gathers many devotees and outsiders for the celebrations. However, the largest festivity of the place occurs on August 6th, dedicated to Senhor Bom Jesus (Good Lord Jesus), whose life-size image is found in one of the church's altars. This celebration is a moment of great fervor and tradition, demonstrating the importance of religious beliefs and customs in the life of the locality.

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