Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa
Encyclopedia
The Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (also known as The Order of Our Lady of Conception of Vila Vicosa) is an dynastic order of knighthood of the House of Braganza
, the former Portuguese Royal Family. The current Grand Master
of the Order is Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza
, the Head of the House of Braganza.
in Rio de Janeiro
on 6 February 1818, the date of his acclamation, in recognition for the efficient protection of the Kingdom's Spiritual Sovereign (Portugal is known as the Land of Santa Maria since its foundation). The Blessed Virgin Mother under the invocation of the Immmaculate Conception (venerated in the Ducal Chapel of the Palace of Vila Viçosa) had earlier been acclaimed "Queen" and Patroness of the kingdom by King John IV on March 25, 1646 following a referendum of the Empire that lasted 6 years and asked subjects: 1. If they believed the Blessed Virgin Mary to have been conceived without sin, and 2. If they believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the physical reigning Queen of Portugal and not just symbolically the Patroness. The people answered affirmatively and since the Coronation that took place at Vila Viçosa, the Kings of Portugal never again wore a crown.
This order distinguished those who proved their loyalty to the Portuguese Royal House in the war against the Bonapartist occupying forces.
Later, in 1818, a royal decree stated that the Order would be given as a military award in four (4) classes of Grand Cross, Commander, Knight, and Servant. Knighthood was given to those who were servants to the king and devoted Catholics to the pope and the Holy Mother.
The Order was originally limited to twelve Grand Crosses, forty Commanders and one hundred Knights, with the provision for the award of supernumerary Grand Crosses.
Grand Crosses were usually given to higher nobles who had positions in the Royal Household. Lower grades (Commander and below) were granted to lesser nobles who had provided personal service to the King.
Unlike the earlier Religious-Military Orders, the Order of Christ
, the Order of St. Benedict of Aviz
, and the Order of St. James of the Sword, Vila Viçosa was more aligned to the Order of the Tower and Sword
which had been established by King John VI.
Much of the era of the 19th century was concerned with the right of royal succession in Portugal. Much of this data is available in Mr. Guy Stair Sainty's World Orders of Knighthood and Merit. Late into the 19th century, the constitutional sovereigns were inclined to treat the Order of Vila Viçosa as the paramount award given by the Duke for services rendered to the Royal House.
In 1910, a revolution installed a Republican government that took over all State Orders; however King Manuel II of Portugal
in exile and after his death the Dukes of Braganza continued to use the order's insignia and to bestow it just the same, as it was always considered first and foremost a House Order and not a State one. In fact, just after the Second World War, it was bestowed on Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar
by Queen Amelia when she visited Portugal for the last time.
In December 1983, Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza
, godson of Pope Pius XII, re-activated the Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa, and maintains it as an honorific dynastic order of the Portuguese Royal Family. He has since then distinguished many Portuguese personalities (among them soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo
and Luis Figo).
Unlike many former royals of Europe, the Duke of Braganza is loved by most Portuguese. This is due in part to the help of the Portuguese monarchy which allowed for Portugal to remain independent from Spanish reign, advances in trading and commercial responsibilities with other countries, the beautification of Lisbon, and the Duke's desire not to be involved in Portuguese government.
On 13 May 1995, Dom Duarte's marriage to Portuguese noblewoman Dona Isabel de Heredia was carried over most of the Portuguese and international television channels including CNN, Fox, and MSNBC.
According to RISMA Vice-Chancellor and Secretary General Carlos Evaristo, C.V.V., the Order is primarily bestowed upon Portuguese nobles, and only occasionally out of protocol on Heads of State and Royal Houses, but has also been bestowed (before 2005) on foreign and Portuguese recipients who received it solely as an honorary award for services rendered to the expansion of the Cult of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Message of Fátima
, or the Catholic Church, but who are not listed as active members of the Portuguese Order and therefore not invited to attend functions or events organized by the Order.
Honorary Members are also not expected to contribute with yearly dues or contributions, although they may wear the decorations at public events if they solicit and obtain permission beforehand to do so from the Secretariat of the Royal House.
----
(1768–1848), who was in charge of creating in Rio de Janeiro an arts and crafts lyceum
(Escola Real de Artes e Ofícios) under the auspices of King D. João VI and the Marquis of Marialva
.
The order's sash is light blue and white. The medallion is starshaped and crowned, and in it center has a monogram with the letters "AM". Surrounding the monogram there is an inscription saying "Padroeira do Reino".
The Order is unofficially acknowledged by the Portuguese government. It may be worn by Portuguese citizens, but not on Portuguese military uniforms.
House of Braganza
The Most Serene House of Braganza , an important Portuguese noble family, ruled the Kingdom of Portugal and its colonial Empire, from 1640 to 1910...
, the former Portuguese Royal Family. The current Grand Master
Grand Master (order)
Grand Master is the typical title of the supreme head of various orders of knighthood, including various military orders, religious orders and civil orders such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Orange Order...
of the Order is Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza
Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza
Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza , is the 24th Duke of Braganza and a pretender to the throne of Portugal.-Birth and education:...
, the Head of the House of Braganza.
History
The order was created by King John VI of PortugalJohn VI of Portugal
John VI John VI John VI (full name: João Maria José Francisco Xavier de Paula Luís António Domingos Rafael; (13 May 1767 – 10 March 1826) was King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves (later changed to just King of Portugal and the Algarves, after Brazil was recognized...
in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
on 6 February 1818, the date of his acclamation, in recognition for the efficient protection of the Kingdom's Spiritual Sovereign (Portugal is known as the Land of Santa Maria since its foundation). The Blessed Virgin Mother under the invocation of the Immmaculate Conception (venerated in the Ducal Chapel of the Palace of Vila Viçosa) had earlier been acclaimed "Queen" and Patroness of the kingdom by King John IV on March 25, 1646 following a referendum of the Empire that lasted 6 years and asked subjects: 1. If they believed the Blessed Virgin Mary to have been conceived without sin, and 2. If they believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the physical reigning Queen of Portugal and not just symbolically the Patroness. The people answered affirmatively and since the Coronation that took place at Vila Viçosa, the Kings of Portugal never again wore a crown.
This order distinguished those who proved their loyalty to the Portuguese Royal House in the war against the Bonapartist occupying forces.
Later, in 1818, a royal decree stated that the Order would be given as a military award in four (4) classes of Grand Cross, Commander, Knight, and Servant. Knighthood was given to those who were servants to the king and devoted Catholics to the pope and the Holy Mother.
The Order was originally limited to twelve Grand Crosses, forty Commanders and one hundred Knights, with the provision for the award of supernumerary Grand Crosses.
Grand Crosses were usually given to higher nobles who had positions in the Royal Household. Lower grades (Commander and below) were granted to lesser nobles who had provided personal service to the King.
Unlike the earlier Religious-Military Orders, the Order of Christ
Order of Christ
Order of Christ may refer to:* Order of Christ – former Knights Templar Order awarded initially by the kings of Portugal, now by the Portuguese state...
, the Order of St. Benedict of Aviz
Order of Aviz
The Military Order of Aviz , previously to 1910 Royal Military Order of Aviz , previously to 1789 Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz , previously Knights of St. Benedict of Aviz or Friars of Santa Maria of Évora, is a Portuguese Order of Chivalry...
, and the Order of St. James of the Sword, Vila Viçosa was more aligned to the Order of the Tower and Sword
Order of the Tower and Sword
The Military Order of the Tower and of the Sword, of Valour, Loyalty and Merit is a Portuguese order of knighthood and the pinnacle of the Portuguese honours system. It was created by King Afonso V in 1459....
which had been established by King John VI.
Much of the era of the 19th century was concerned with the right of royal succession in Portugal. Much of this data is available in Mr. Guy Stair Sainty's World Orders of Knighthood and Merit. Late into the 19th century, the constitutional sovereigns were inclined to treat the Order of Vila Viçosa as the paramount award given by the Duke for services rendered to the Royal House.
In 1910, a revolution installed a Republican government that took over all State Orders; however King Manuel II of Portugal
Manuel II of Portugal
Manuel II , named Manuel Maria Filipe Carlos Amélio Luís Miguel Rafael Gabriel Gonzaga Francisco de Assis Eugénio de Bragança Orleães Sabóia e Saxe-Coburgo-Gotha — , was the last King of Portugal from 1908 to 1910, ascending the throne after the assassination of his father and elder brother Manuel...
in exile and after his death the Dukes of Braganza continued to use the order's insignia and to bestow it just the same, as it was always considered first and foremost a House Order and not a State one. In fact, just after the Second World War, it was bestowed on Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar
António de Oliveira Salazar
António de Oliveira Salazar, GColIH, GCTE, GCSE served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. He also served as acting President of the Republic briefly in 1951. He founded and led the Estado Novo , the authoritarian, right-wing government that presided over and controlled Portugal...
by Queen Amelia when she visited Portugal for the last time.
In December 1983, Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza
Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza
Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza , is the 24th Duke of Braganza and a pretender to the throne of Portugal.-Birth and education:...
, godson of Pope Pius XII, re-activated the Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa, and maintains it as an honorific dynastic order of the Portuguese Royal Family. He has since then distinguished many Portuguese personalities (among them soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
and Luis Figo).
Unlike many former royals of Europe, the Duke of Braganza is loved by most Portuguese. This is due in part to the help of the Portuguese monarchy which allowed for Portugal to remain independent from Spanish reign, advances in trading and commercial responsibilities with other countries, the beautification of Lisbon, and the Duke's desire not to be involved in Portuguese government.
On 13 May 1995, Dom Duarte's marriage to Portuguese noblewoman Dona Isabel de Heredia was carried over most of the Portuguese and international television channels including CNN, Fox, and MSNBC.
According to RISMA Vice-Chancellor and Secretary General Carlos Evaristo, C.V.V., the Order is primarily bestowed upon Portuguese nobles, and only occasionally out of protocol on Heads of State and Royal Houses, but has also been bestowed (before 2005) on foreign and Portuguese recipients who received it solely as an honorary award for services rendered to the expansion of the Cult of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Message of Fátima
Our Lady of Fatima
Our Lady of Fátima is a famous title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary as she appeared in apparitions reported by three shepherd children at Fátima in Portugal. These occurred on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on May 13...
, or the Catholic Church, but who are not listed as active members of the Portuguese Order and therefore not invited to attend functions or events organized by the Order.
Honorary Members are also not expected to contribute with yearly dues or contributions, although they may wear the decorations at public events if they solicit and obtain permission beforehand to do so from the Secretariat of the Royal House.
Distinguished Knights
- Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona (father to the present king of Spain)
- King Juan Carlos I of SpainJuan Carlos I of SpainJuan Carlos I |Italy]]) is the reigning King of Spain.On 22 November 1975, two days after the death of General Francisco Franco, Juan Carlos was designated king according to the law of succession promulgated by Franco. Spain had no monarch for 38 years in 1969 when Franco named Juan Carlos as the...
- His Royal Highness the Infante of Spain Don Carlos of Bourbon-Two Sicilies & Bourbon-Parma, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta;
- Archduke Otto von HabsburgOtto von HabsburgOtto von Habsburg , also known by his royal name as Archduke Otto of Austria, was the last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary from 1916 until the dissolution of the empire in 1918, a realm which comprised modern-day Austria, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia,...
of Austria, head of the Imperial House of Habsburg-Lothringen - Crown Prince Alexander of YugoslaviaAlexander, Crown Prince of YugoslaviaAlexander II Karadjordjevic, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia , is the former crown prince of the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the head of the House of Karadjordjevic. Alexander is the only child of former King Peter II of Yugoslavia and Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark...
- Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of NaplesVittorio Emanuele, Prince of NaplesVittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, formerly Crown Prince of Italy is the only son of the Umberto II, the last King of Italy. He is commonly known in Italy as Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia...
; - Dom Miguel, Duke of ViseuDuke of ViseuDuke of Viseu was a Portuguese Royal Dukedom created in 1415 by King John I of Portugal for his third male child, Prince Henry the Navigator, following the conquest of Ceuta....
- Infante Henrique, Duke of CoimbraInfante Henrique, Duke of CoimbraThe Infante Henrique, Duke of Coimbra , born 6 November 1949, is the third son and youngest child of Duarte Nuno, Duke of Braganza and his wife Princess Francisca of Orléans-Braganza...
- Brazilian senator Rodrigo Augusto da SilvaRodrigo Augusto da SilvaRodrigo Augusto da Silva a Brazilian senator for life, minister and a privy counsellor of Emperor Peter II of Brazil. He was a member of the Silva de Carvalho family from São Paulo, the son of José Manuel da Silva and nephew of financier Benedito Antonio da Silva...
- Luis Fernando da Gama Pimenta de Castro Damasio;
- Helder Diegues Cerqueira de SouzaCerqueira de SouzaHelder Diegues Cerqueira de SouzaBorn in 1963 in Beira, Mozambique. Studied Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon from 1982 to 1987. Graduated in 1987 under the tutoring of Manuel Graça Dias, Architect...
; - CostinhaCostinhaFrancisco José Rodrigues da Costa, OIH , aka Costinha , is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a defensive midfielder....
, former professional footballer and Sporting's Director of Football. - John Brinsmead, 19th century English piano maker
----
Insignia
The order's insignia was designed by the French painter Jean-Baptiste DebretJean-Baptiste Debret
Jean-Baptiste Debret was a French painter, who produced many valuable lithographs depicting the people of Brazil.-Biography:...
(1768–1848), who was in charge of creating in Rio de Janeiro an arts and crafts lyceum
Lyceum
The lyceum is a category of educational institution defined within the education system of many countries, mainly in Europe. The definition varies between countries; usually it is a type of secondary school.-History:...
(Escola Real de Artes e Ofícios) under the auspices of King D. João VI and the Marquis of Marialva
Marquis of Marialva
Count of Cantanhede was a Portuguese title of nobility created by a royal decree, dated from August 6, 1479, by King Afonso V of Portugal, and granted to D. Pedro de Menezes, 5th Lord of Cantanhede....
.
The order's sash is light blue and white. The medallion is starshaped and crowned, and in it center has a monogram with the letters "AM". Surrounding the monogram there is an inscription saying "Padroeira do Reino".
The Order is unofficially acknowledged by the Portuguese government. It may be worn by Portuguese citizens, but not on Portuguese military uniforms.
External links
- THE ORDER OF OUR LADY OF THE CONCEPTION OF VILA VIÇOSA by Guy Stair SaintyGuy Stair SaintyGuy Stair Sainty, KC*SG is an art dealer and author on royal genealogy and heraldry.-Life and education:Guy Stair Sainty was born on 7 December 1950, the eldest son of Christopher Lawrence Sainty and his second wife Virginia Cade Stair. His father was Chief Engineer and Director of Carrier...
- International Commission for Orders of Chivalry (dynastic orders section). The Commission's president is Prof. Dr. Pier Felice degli Uberti of Italy.
- Royal Dynastic Orders of Portugal