OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE CMB, TO THE RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES OF THE PARISH OF NOSSA SENHORA DO MONTE, AND TO THE COMMUNITY - FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OUR IDENTITY, HISTORY, AND FAITH

Mr. Mayor, religious leaders, and community of the Parish of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a people’s faith is not built overnight; it is the result of the continuous interweaving of memories, devotions, and traditions that span generations. In our parish, this identity has always been rooted in the image, worship, and devotion to Nossa Senhora da Graça, a spiritual presence that has shaped the lives of those who live here and of those who, even from afar, carry this land in their hearts.

Recently, we have been confronted with a wave of discontent and bewilderment in the face of an attempt to override or change the name of our patron saint to Our Lady of the Mountain. This situation has caused divisions and hurt within the community, something we find deeply regrettable, given that the Church and local institutions should be the guarantors of unity and harmony among all.

It is imperative and urgent to clarify the confusion that has been mounting in public opinion and within parish life. It is crucial to understand that the two images—Our Lady of Grace and Our Lady of the Mountain—are profoundly distinct in their iconography, their hagiographic context, and their spiritual significance. Each carries its own identity, and to confuse them is to disrespect the historical and religious value of both.

The history and daily life of our community speak for themselves. For decades, and as far back as the oldest members of our community can remember, our people have celebrated and worshiped the image of Our Lady of Grace. It is before her effigy, her traditional garments, and her welcoming presence that the people kneel to pray and give thanks.

This visual presence is absolutely unmistakable and is etched in the memory of every parishioner. The image venerated in our church bears the traditional colors of blue and white, which symbolize purity and grace, clearly distinguishing it from any other Marian representation. These colors are the visible symbol of a commitment to faith that spans centuries.

More than just an abstract memory, this tradition is documented in the parish’s own liturgical vestments and furnishings. The pastoral staff itself, used with dignity in formal ceremonies and processions, is embroidered with the image and symbols of Our Lady of Grace. How, then, is it possible to ignore the material symbols that the parish itself has used and validated over the years?

Although the administrative designation of the territory is “Parish of Nossa Senhora do Monte,” community life and devotion at the altar have always followed the rhythm of Nossa Senhora da Graça. To attempt to alter this deep-rooted devotion based on a mere coincidence or toponymic simplification is to disregard the sensibilities of the faithful and the historical truth of the place.

This discrepancy has been felt with particular pain by our vast community of emigrants. Men and women who left their homeland in search of better living conditions carry with them, as a beacon and a source of comfort, their devotion to Our Lady of Grace. Seeing their spiritual reference point altered from afar causes a feeling of abandonment and disrespect for their origins.

The recent outpouring by our fellow countryman Alberto Santos on social media is merely a reflection and an echo of the voices of hundreds of faithful who feel hurt. When parishioners express outrage, they do so not out of a spirit of contradiction or a desire to stir up conflict, but rather out of a moral duty to protect the intangible heritage that belongs to them by right of spiritual inheritance.

A Catholic community and a strong parish are not built by erasing their history, but rather by cherishing their roots. The attempt to impose a designation that does not correspond to the image that has been venerated for centuries creates liturgical confusion and alienates the faithful, fostering an atmosphere of estrangement where there should be celebration and peace.

We cannot allow the lack of clarification to continue fueling divisions, leading some to celebrate under the invocation of Our Lady of Grace and others under that of Our Lady of the Mountain. This duality—which is not enriching but rather conflictual—weakens the social fabric and undermines parishioners’ trust in their community and religious leaders.

For all these reasons, we appeal to the parish and local leaders to exercise common sense, sensitivity, and openness to dialogue. We ask that attentive listening to the local population and historians be promoted, so as to recognize and officially acknowledge, without ambiguity, the indisputable value of Our Lady of Grace as the image and the emotional and historical patroness of our people.

Preserving our identity is not an act of stubbornness; it is an act of love and responsibility toward future generations. So that our children and grandchildren may know who we were, what we believed in, and what traditions we honored, we must keep alive the truth of our heritage and the dignity of our venerated images.

We conclude this appeal by reaffirming our willingness to collaborate toward a dignified, peaceful solution that respects the history of our land. We hope this letter will be received as an invitation to reflection and unity, so that, under the protective mantle of Our Lady of Grace, we may walk together in the preservation of our faith, our culture, and our heritage.

MS