It is a busy time at the Convento da Esperança, where the cloisters have been transformed into a veritable nursery of flowers of all colors and species. According to those who have been helping with the floral arrangements here for many years, the offerings to Senhor Santo Cristo are becoming increasingly impressive.

Paulo Santos started more than twenty years ago, first at the Porta Regral, and gradually became involved in the floral arrangements. Last year, he was in the lower choir, and this year, he is coordinating the decoration of the church.

“We opted for soft colors and straight lines. We want to highlight the beauty of the church. And it will look very different,” he says.

There are about 30 volunteers, more women than men, but they are all volunteers for one reason: their love for the Holy Christ, whether out of a promise or simple devotion.

The church will be finished by Friday, and those who attend the morning Masses will already be able to see much of the decoration; the lower choir will also be visible on Friday, but at night, at 9:00 p.m., after the lighting ceremony. In addition to the flowers, it is time to see the final details of the Angels’ costumes. There will be 43 of them in this year’s solemn procession. They come from various places in São Miguel. Some are repeat participants; others are coming for the first time.

“We started working on this process in February, and everything is ready. Now I just want everything to go well,” says Odália Silva, responsible for dressing the Angels and preparing the 15 scripts. While this part of the procession comprises boys, most of the Angels are girls, although this year there is also a boy accompanying his sister.

The costumes will be the same as they have been for many years, but some new ones have been donated to the Sanctuary.

In Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.