Monday, June 10, 2024

Celebrating Portuguese Heritage Month in Gloucester and Rockport

As we continue to celebrate #NationalPortugeseHeritage month, I am remembering how I was able to join friends, neighbors, and the parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport together with Father Jim, imperators David & Nancy Rose, the Holy Name Society, Our Lady’s Guild, Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in celebrating the Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit last month.

I joined the Portuguese community in Gloucester in honoring a celebrated Crowning ceremony, a tradition that has been embedded in Portuguese history since the 14th century.

The Portuguese Crowning tradition first started during Queen Isabella of Portugal’s reign, who is credited with the annual practice of naming one of her subjects as king for a day.

Portuguese immigrants brought the Crowning ceremony to Gloucester, and other parts of the country, over 100 years ago. The ceremony is one full of prayer, joy, and tradition.

Gloucester has been honoring this tradition since 1902. I am grateful to have been a part of this year’s commemoration.