Church of Our Lady of the Purification of Samuel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Soure > Samuel > Carregosa

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Purificação de Samuel is located in the peaceful area of Carregosa, within the locality of Samuel, in the municipality of Soure. Its presence is a discreet landmark in the local urban fabric, reflecting the serenity of the surrounding community.

An Unexpected Denomination

Despite its official name, the church is widely known in the region as the "Devil's Church". This curious nickname originates from a side chapel, where an altar dedicated to Saint Michael and the Souls uniquely features a representation of the Devil. This peculiarity has given rise to a popular tradition and a curious belief, where some visitors make offerings to the "mafarrico" (a local term for the devil) during certain festivities, in a blend of devotion and local folklore.

Heritage and Sacred Art

Throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the church underwent various interventions and reforms that contributed to its current appearance. Inside, visitors discover a remarkable 18th-century main altar, an exuberant piece of gilded carving, characteristic of the Joanine style. In the left side chapel, a sculpture of the Holy Mothers stands out, attributed to the artistic circle of João de Ruão. The church's collection also includes images of Saint Bartholomew, dating from the 15th century, and Nossa Senhora da Purificação (Our Lady of Purification), from the 16th century.

Traditions and Religious Figures

In February, the community of Samuel celebrates the festivity dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Candeias (Our Lady of the Candles), a cult rooted in the tradition of purification through light and oils. Popularly, the 'candeias' (small oil lamps), candles, and olive oil, symbols of light, are also associated with the wish for a prosperous year for crops, particularly the olive harvest. This celebration is a reflection of the coexistence of the sacred and the profane in local faith, where devotion to the Virgin intertwines with a peculiar connection to the figure of the devil, as depicted on the altar of Saint Michael and the Souls found in the mother church.

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