The II International Congress is taking place in Ouro Preto with the participation of the Alderman of Culture, Fernando Rocha, and historian Joel Cleto
The 2nd International Congress on the Lord of Matosinhos, promoted by the City Halls of Ouro Preto and Congonhas, with the support of the Association of Historical Cities of Minas Gerais and the Municipality of Matosinhos, started yesterday in Ouro Preto and counted with the participation of the Alderman of Culture, Fernando Rocha, and the historian Joel Cleto.
In the opening session, Fernando Rocha underlined the importance of this congress, three years after the first edition in Matosinhos, in strengthening the cultural and identity bonds between this Portuguese city and the state of Minas Gerais, coinciding with the celebrations of the 200 years of Brazil's Independence. Fernando Rocha offered, on behalf of the Matosinhos City Hall, replicas of the image of the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos to the mayors of Ouro Preto and Congonhas, respectively Ângelo Oswaldo and Cláudio de Souza, as well as to Wirley Reis, mayor of Itapecerica and current President of the Association of Historical Cities of Minas Gerais.
The first day of work also included the intervention of the Portuguese historian Joel Cleto, who is part of the Matosinhos delegation, about the legendary, historical, and artistic origins of the image of the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, the dispersion of its devotion around the world, very evident in Brazil, where there are more than three dozen temples and altars dedicated to Senhor de Matosinhos, with emphasis on those existing in Minas Gerais.
At the end of yesterday afternoon, the councilman in charge of the municipality's Culture Department, in the company of the Mayor of Ouro Preto, attended a concert by the Musical Society Senhor Jesus de Matosinhos, which is currently celebrating its 90th anniversary. Fernando Rocha congratulated the musicians and directors of the institution, taking the opportunity to mention that also in Portugal, and after a long inactive period, the Matosinhos Band has been experiencing a remarkable revival of its activity these last few years.
The program of the II International Congress of the Lord of Matosinhos, which runs until September 15, also extends to the city of Congonhas.
Comments