Chapel of Our Lady of the Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Valongo > Alfena > Cabeda

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Conception is located in the area of Cabeda, an area of Alfena, in the municipality of Valongo. Its position is historical, situated near an old road that connected the locality to Ermesinde, making it part of a route with deep roots in the region's history.

A Foundation with Purpose

The history of the chapel dates back to 1733, the year it was commissioned by Captain Vicente Ferreira Alfena and his wife Luzia Antónia do Sacramento. The construction of this chapel arose from a practical and spiritual need: the inhabitants of the approximately twenty-five households at the time were far from the mother church and frequently faced floods that made access to the main temple difficult. Thus, the chapel emerged as a point of reference and support for the faith of the local community, facilitating religious practice.

The Legacy in Images

Inside the Chapel of Our Lady of Conception, it is possible to observe a collection of sacred images that enrich its heritage. Among them, the figure of Our Lady of Conception stands out, to whom the chapel is dedicated and whose festivity was traditionally celebrated on December 8. Also present are the images of Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Anthony (small in size), the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Saint Joseph. One of the most unique pieces is the image of Saint Vincent Ferrer. Its presence is notable, as the veneration of this saint was not common, being more associated with the Dominican order. It is thought that its inclusion is due to the name of the chapel's founder, Vicente Ferreira. The image represents the preaching saint, and at his feet, it is possible to observe a widow, evoking the miracle of her resurrection, an act attributed to Saint Vincent Ferrer.

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