Pastoral Visit in Portugal
Pastoral Visit of the General Provost to Évora and the Foundation of the New Theatine Formation House in Portugal
The General Provost of the Order of Clerics Regular (Theatines), Rev. Fr. Salvador Rodea González, C.R., is currently in Évora, Portugal, as part of his pastoral visit and support to the Theatine community serving in Vendas Novas, where the new Theatine Formation House has recently been established—an important milestone for the mission of the Order in Europe.
On December 2, Father Salvador participated in a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated in the Cathedral of Évora. Following the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament was transferred to the Theatine house, a moment of profound communion that spiritually sealed the beginning of this new missionary chapter.
The day concluded with a fraternal dinner, symbolizing unity and hope for a renewed Theatine presence in Portuguese lands after centuries of missionary history.
In his homily, the General Provost emphasized that this return to Portugal is not the result of human planning nor a nostalgic look to the past, but rather a humble and willing response to the initiative of the Holy Spirit, who opens a new chapter in the very land from which so many Theatine missionaries were once formed and sent to Asia.
The opening of the Formation House represents a true “new Advent”: a time to prepare paths, renew hope, and rekindle the missionary zeal that characterized the Theatine presence in Portugal.
The Order expresses its gratitude to the Archbishop of Évora, Dom Francisco, renewing its willingness to collaborate with the local Church in evangelization and pastoral service to the People of God.
This moment marks a new page in our history—a path illuminated by the Gospel and sustained by the intercession of Saint Cajetan and Mary, Mother of Hope.
