Guardian Angel of Portugal
Guardian Angel of Portugal | |
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Angel of Peace, of the Motherland and of the Eucharist | |
Venerated in | Portugal, Catholic Church |
Major shrine | Sanctuary of Fátima |
Feast | June 10 |
Attributes | Archangel carrying the Portuguese Shield |
Patronage | Portugal |
The Guardian Angel of Portugal (Portuguese: Anjo da Guarda de Portugal) is also referred to as the Angel of Portugal (Anjo de Portugal), the Holy Guardian Angel of Portugal (Santo Anjo da Guarda de Portugal), the Custodian Angel (Anjo Custódio) or the Angel of Peace (Anjo da Paz).
History
In 1504, by request of King Manuel I of Portugal, Pope Julius II created the feast of the Custodian Angel of the Kingdom (Anjo Custódio do Reino), whose cult would already be ancient in Portugal. The request having been made to Pope Leo X, he authorized the feast, celebrated on the third Sunday of July.
Devotion to the Guardian Angel of Portugal almost disappeared after the 17th century but was restored in 1952, being inserted into the Portuguese Liturgical Calendar by Pius XII.
Apparitions in Fátima, 1916
In her Memoirs, the Portuguese Carmelite nun Sister Lúcia tells that, between April and October, 1916, an angel, identifying himself as the Angel of Portugal (or Angel of Peace) appeared three times to the three children, inviting them to prayer and penitence.