The Northeast Deanery (Ouvidoria do Nordeste) is finalizing preparations to host, for the first time, the Annual Retreat of the Romeiros of São Miguel Island, scheduled for January 25 in the town of Vila do Nordeste. Leaders of the local Romeiro groups met last Tuesday, January 13, at the former Feteira Pequena school in Santana to organize the reception of pilgrims from across the island—an event described as highly significant for local communities by the Igreja Açores website.

David Feijó, master of the Romeiro group of Vila do Nordeste and Pedreira, emphasized that although the retreat will take place in the town itself, “the responsibility for welcoming participants should be shared by the entire deanery, involving all of its groups.” He added that the occasion is a source of joy and an expression of communion among parishes, all of which are fully engaged in preparing the gathering, according to a statement sent to Igreja Açores.

Representatives of the Romeiro groups expressed “enthusiasm and commitment” about hosting the initiative for the first time, pledging to ensure that the day is experienced as a sign of unity and shared purpose among all Romeiros of São Miguel.

Also present at the meeting was Father Jorge Sousa, parish priest of Santana, Achada, and Achadinha, and spiritual advisor to the Northeast Romeiros. He called for openness to the action of the Holy Spirit and invited group leaders to challenge each participant to reflect throughout the year on the meaning of Baptism.

“The Romeiro is a baptized person called to the Church and to service,” he said, arguing that the Romaria should awaken a sense of Christian mission rooted in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

During the retreat, Father Sousa will also present a spiritual guide featuring eight reflections—one for each day of the Romaria—centered on Christian hope arising from Baptism. The material will later be made available on the website of the Romeiros of São Miguel Movement.

The retreat will begin at 8:30 a.m. with Mass at the Church of São Jorge, presided over by Armando Esteves Domingues, who will accompany the entire event. After the celebration, participants will proceed in an organized procession to the Municipal Cultural Center, praying the Hail Mary led by Master David Feijó.

At 9:00 a.m., a welcome session will take place, featuring remarks by Master David Feijó; the Northeast Dean, Father Agostinho Lima; the president of the Administrative Commission, Rui Carvalho e Melo; and the Mayor of Nordeste, António Miguel Soares, who will also serve as the retreat’s moderating panel.

The first panel, titled “Baptized in Hope,” will be presented by Father Jorge Sousa at 9:45 a.m., followed by discussion at 10:00 a.m. The second panel begins at 11:00 a.m. with Carmo Rodeia, director of the Diocesan Communications Service, addressing “Friendship and Fraternity Born of Baptism,” a reflection on Christian commitment to building a more fraternal society grounded in baptismal identity. Discussion will follow at 11:15 a.m.

At noon, the third panel will be led by Master Norberto Leite on “The Past and Present of the Romarias,” with discussion at 12:15 p.m. The gathering is expected to conclude around 1:00 p.m. after a final moment of synthesis and shared reflection. The Eucharist will be presided over by the Bishop of Angra.

The Lenten Romarias take place from the first Saturday of Lent through Holy Thursday. This year, the first groups depart on February 21, and the final groups return on April 2. The Lenten Romarias remain one of the defining features of São Miguel’s spiritual identity.

In Diário dos Açores — Paulo Viveiros, director.

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