Church of the Divine Holy Spirit

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Alenquer > Ventosa > Atalaia

Location

The Church of the Divine Holy Spirit is located in Atalaia, an area integrated into the locality of Ventosa, which belongs to the municipality of Alenquer. This temple is situated in a residential environment, characteristic of an urbanization, where its presence constitutes a point of reference for the community, reflecting the peaceful life and local identity of the area.

A Legacy of Faith and Community

This temple is a place of great significance for the community of Alenquer, being one of the central points in the celebration of the ancient Festivities of the Empire of the Divine Holy Spirit. The origin of these festivities dates back to the 14th century, associated with Queen Saint Isabel, and represents a profound manifestation of local faith and history. The church, from this perspective, transcends its role as a mere building of worship, embodying values of sharing, solidarity, and mutual aid that are transmitted through generations.

The Local Festivities

During the period of the Holy Spirit Festivities, which extends from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, the Church of the Divine Holy Spirit gains a special vibrancy. This is the stage for religious ceremonies and for the organization of events that actively involve the local population. In Atalaia, the processions and celebrations are distinguished by the presence of inscriptions distributed along the route, which help to understand the profound meaning of the worship. A notable aspect is how the "gifts" of the Holy Spirit are presented, parading in a single tableau from which seven red ribbons emerge, held by children, symbolizing the richness of divine gifts.

Symbols and Traditions

The traditions associated with this church are marked by strong symbolism. The crown and the standard are essential insignia, with the crown representing the royalty of humanitarian values such as love and fraternity inspired by the Holy Spirit. The standard, in turn, when unfurled and swayed by the wind during processions, serves as a representation of the Spirit which, invisible by nature, acts freely. This set of symbols and rituals reflects the continuity of a secular devotion, whose roots are particularly visible and felt in the Atalaia community.

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