Century XX
The date of the foundation of the Sanctuary has been lost in time, but it was in the last quarter of the 20th century that it was subjected to the most significant renovation works. The monumental staircase from the foothill, and 12 sculptures that embellish the enclosure of the sanctuary, forming an ensemble of an unusual spirituality. In addition to the magnificent viewpoint over the Atlantic.
The present chapel was built in the second half of the 20th 20th century, in 1974, replacing a former hermitage. It has only one nave, with a bowed portal, in the centre, flanked by two rectangular and symmetrical windows, and topped by a quadrilobe-shaped rosette. The main façade, facing west, ends in a pediment with lateral pinnacles and a cross, in the centre, on an acroterium.
Inside, the high altar, with the image of Our Lady of Guidance, the patron saint, is flanked by the images of St. Anthony, the Archangel S. Miguel and Our Lady of the Emigrants.
Winter, Sunday, 14h30-16h00
Summer, Sunday,15h00-17h00
Festivities: 3rd Sunday of May, 08h00-19h00.
Our Lady of Guidance
The Virgin Mother of Jesus, under the invocation of Our Lady of Guidance, gives us one of the titles by which she was celebrated in the Orthodox Church, Hodegetria, which means “Conductor”, “Guide” of Jesus Christ, from childhood to the beginning of his public life. She became the patron saint of travellers and seafarers, guide and protector of God’s people. The cult was adopted by the Catholic Church and spread throughout the world, where she is venerated under this invocation.
At the top of the Parish of Belinho, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guidance, is a place of pilgrimage of Esposende since 2001. The pilgrimage of the 15 parishes of the Archpresbyterate of Esposende to Our Lady of Guidance hill is deemed the most solemn act of faith of the parishes, and is a reference for both walkers and seafarers. The sanctuary is one of the most interesting viewpoints of the municipality.
Legend of the Shepherd / Cave of Monge da Guia:
“According to oral tradition, in May 1820 a shepherd from the parish of Belinho found an abandoned child that had been recently born. He quickly took the child to his wife. The two raised the child and he grew and lived for 12 years as a shepherd until the day he disappeared.
There is a cave known as “Cova do Monge” in Our Lady of Guidance Hill. Legend has it that there was a man who came from Lisbon in the years 1849 to 1852, whom they called “Jewel”. He would have been a pawnbroker in the capital. The “Jewel” moved to Belinho to flee from Lisbon’s lowlife people, hiding as a monk on Our Lady of Guidance hill. Apparently, he already knew the cave where he hid. Thus, he allegedly was the child that went missing from the couple who raised him. When he was discovered by the population, “Jewel” made himself believe as being an intercessor of God, thus deceiving the population. After some time, he disappeared again. He decided to return to Lisbon, where he collected a considerable amount of money, before returning again to the mount of Belinho.
When he returned to Belinho, to the cave of Monte da Guia, the people no longer believed in the hermit’s tricks. One day they forced him to take off his habit and cut off his beard. He obeyed and asked to stay in the parish, and so he did. The “monk” lived there, in a hovel by Our Lady of Guidance hill, for many years.
The famous “Penedo do Cabreiro” was consecrated not to be forgotten and abandoned. Manuel José da Costa Leal, the parish priest, had an image of the Prophet Elijah, prophet of the Old Testament and known as the Sleeping Saint. This statue was enthroned on October 15, 1999 and blessed on December 8 of the same year. AA. VV. (2000) – O Monge da Senhora da Guia – Lendas e Narrativas. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guidance
