Templar Corps Diplomatic Mission to Guiné-Bissau 2024 – Diary day 5 and 6

NOVEMBER 2

The delegation began the day with a hearty breakfast, feeling energized. Or rather, Commander Herdadinha was full of energy (as always!), while Vice-Commander Amador was more focused on retrieving his luggage, expected to arrive on the 1:00 pm flight. Personally, I felt weighed down by the intense heat—today it’s around 38ºC (102ºF), making it hard to keep cool. Thankfully, my colleagues’ upbeat attitude helped lift everyone’s spirits.

Due to the airport pickup schedule, the day was split into a morning discussion on potential Templar Corps and Guinea-Bissau cooperation projects, followed by an afternoon visit to Bissau’s Fire Station to prepare for a training session planned for Monday.

The main topics of the morning discussions were divided into two major areas: Agriculture and Civil Protection.

Guinea-Bissau is an incredibly fertile country, located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. Its coastline stretches from Cabo Roxo to Ponta Cagete. It shares borders with Senegal to the north, Guinea to the east and southeast, and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with over 80 islands and islets, forming an unparalleled natural wonder.

The continental part is formed by a coastal plain and an interior plateau zone. The interior zone is formed by low plateaus, and two transition zones can be distinguished that lead to two small plateaus – Bafatá and Gabú – and the hilly area with the highest altitudes in the country, (around 300m) in the region of Boé.

Three major products are grown in Guinea-Bissau: rice, mango and cashew nuts. But one of the things that the Delegation noticed at the end of a couple of meals is that the rice and vegetables consumed at almost all meals are not produced in Guinea. Even rice is mostly imported. Tomatoes, onions and cucumbers come from Senegal and rice from Pakistan. Mango and cashew are also destined almost 100% the export market, without any local industrial transformation.

In other words, the creation of value for these products that are highly sought after worldwide is done outside the country. For Guinea, rice, mango and cashew are commodities. They have a value by weight, as they are collected in the wild. Their industrial treatment and the value added to them by this treatment is a gain made outside the country.

The Templar Corps International, through some of its leaders in Italy, Portugal, and the OSMTHU, had been involved years ago in similar projects in Asia related to coffee. In that case, as here, the primary issue was that local communities manage commodities, but added commercial value is created outside the country, limiting local benefits. It was decided to revisit the documents from that time to explore ways of designing projects adapted to Guinea-Bissau’s specific context.

Regarding the topic of Civil Protection, Vice-Commander Amador presented several ideas, focusing on training local forces and implementing an emergency communication and coordination center. He proposed establishing an ambulance unit operated by well-trained local staff, equipped for first aid and accident response, which could greatly impact the city of Bissau. He expressed his willingness to facilitate the donation of some units through the Templar Corps International and to coordinate the necessary training, potentially using an abandoned building or constructing a new one with sustainable methods on a donated city lot.

As lunchtime approached, the Delegation split up. Vice-Commander Amador was taken to the airport to retrieve his luggage. Unfortunately, the troubles with this luggage continued to escalate. First, the flight was delayed by two hours, seriously impacting the afternoon’s work. When the luggage finally arrived, it surprisingly contained unrelated items—like chocolates, hair products, and cosmetics—while his drone had mysteriously disappeared. Customs required him to pay excess baggage fees for items he didn’t own. Despite the confusion, the commitment to the Mission prevailed, though the drone was lost for good.

Back at the hotel with the rest of the Delegation, he expressed some relief that his clothes and the training materials (aside from the drone) were intact. It appears that some airport staff check baggage weight and, if a bag doesn’t reach the 23kg limit, they open it to add contents from other bags of the same passenger to use up the allowed weight. During check-in, his bag was wrapped in pink cellophane with two others that weren’t his, leading to the confusion—including dozens of chocolate bars and women’s hair products!

There was still a preliminary visit to the Fire Station. The visit was brief and aimed solely at preparing for Monday’s training. Vice-Commander Amador familiarized himself with the firefighting equipment, noting its condition and operability. He took notes and made a few recommendations.

NOVEMBER 3

Being Sunday, the Delegation took the day to rest. An initial visit to the islands was planned; however, the delay of the luggage at the airport compromised the possibility of catching the boat on Friday.

Therefore, accompanied by local team members Gaio Gomes and Afonso Mendes, under the guidance of Secretary of State Nelson Pereira, the afternoon was spent at a typical restaurant in the port area, enjoying homemade food and Guinean music. The hospitality of the friends from Guinea-Bissau is unparalleled.

(To be continued…)

Templar Corps Diplomatic Mission to Guiné-Bissau 2024 – Diary day 3 and 4

OCTOBER 31

Early in the morning Vice-National Commander Jorge Amador made his check-in in Lisbon airport, ready to travel to Bissau and join the Delegation.

Jorge is involved in the fields of Security, Civil Protection, Firefighting, and Medical Emergency. His luggage, loaded with training manuals, uniforms, a small drone, and other technical materials, exceeded the allowed limit, requiring him to check it in with the airline before boarding.

Jorge explains that the process was confusing which resulted in his two bags being bundled with a third, unknown bag, all wrapped in pink cellophane by the staff. Later, he discovered his luggage had been opened—possibly due to the drone. But we’ll get to that.

Meanwhile, the other members of the Mission continued to explore the city, visiting markets and noticing small differences between neighborhoods, engaging warmly with local residents and passersby, who where very friendly.

In the early afternoon, the team was taken to the airport to pick up the recently arrived Jorge Amador. Unfortunately, the main luggage had been lost by the airline and was not delivered in Bissau. This meant that all the materials needed for the scheduled training for Security and Fire Forces on Friday were missing, and a formal complaint had to be filed. The next flight with the same airline is only on Saturday, requiring urgent adjustments to the plans for the following days.

To complicate matters, an Extraordinary Council of Ministers was convened, making it even harder to reschedule meetings at key ministries involved in the Mission. It was therefore decided to take Vice-Commander Amador to the hotel, hold an afternoon meeting to reorganize the plans, and move all commitments involving the Ministry of the Interior to the beginning of the next week. The weekend would then be used to visit the interior of the country.

The day concluded with a pleasant dinner, bringing the entire team together.

NOVEMBER 1

November 1 is not an official holiday in Guinea-Bissau, where only about 20% of the population is Christian. However, there is a noticeable slowdown, especially in official services, possibly due to it being a Friday and close to the weekend.

The changes in the Mission’s meeting schedule, because the airline lost Jorge Amador’s luggage, opened opportunities to discuss the local conditions for planned initiatives. Professional t raining is a clear priority. A country’s strength and future depend on human potential. Where there’s a desire for growth in skills and professional capacity, there’s potential for a positive impact. Guinea-Bissau’s youth are numerous and visible in the streets. While the average level of formal education is not highly advanced, this is due more to a lack of programs suited to social and professional needs than to a lack of motivation among students.

There is a significant need to train students in professions that ensure basic livelihood and a dignified life. The shared language between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau eases collaboration between organizations and institutions in both countries. Templar Corps International, through its partnerships, has the means to provide knowledge transfer and expand career prospects for many young Guineans who dream of a better life.

The Mission also addressed the topic of emigration, a major trend among young Guineans. Many have family in Portugal and express a desire to move abroad. Differences in salaries and working conditions drive much of this migration flow. However, the lack of local opportunities is also a crucial factor.

The Mission believes that an unqualified emigrant will find similar challenges abroad. Professional qualifications can make a difference. Therefore, education should be a core component of the Templar Corps Guinea-Bissau Project. Skills training should address local needs and support rapid value creation. Professions like construction, carpentry, electricity, mechanics, and agriculture are essential. Expanding knowledge through complementary programs alongside regular education can make a difference, helping young people find reasons to stay in Guinea-Bissau and contribute to their country’s development.

The Mission spent part of the afternoon in direct contact with the population, testing some of these ideas and listening to local opinions on the streets. Notably, there are no homeless people visible on the streets, and even the street vendors, typical across Africa, are exceptionally friendly. Even when they don’t manage to sell their products, they still engage in conversation and speak proudly about their country.

The relations between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau reflect deep historical and cultural ties, from colonial times to modern cooperation in areas like education, health, defense, and economy. Portugal actively supports development projects and promotes stability in Guinea-Bissau, serving as a significant partner through the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), of which Guinea-Bissau is a member.

To Commander Herdadinha’s surprise, Arraiolos tapestries, from his hometown, were found in a Bissau auditorium. These handcrafted Portuguese tapestries symbolize cultural exchange and the preservation of Portuguese heritage in regions historically connected to Portugal—an encouraging sign for this Mission.

The afternoon concluded with another meeting at the State Secretariat for Communities. The delegation briefed Secretary of State Nelson Pereira on the day’s reflections and their areas of intervention, engaging in a fruitful exchange of ideas with his team.

Next, the delegation met with the Secretary of State for Youth, Lesmes Mutna Monteiro. Upon presenting the Templar Corps International’s projects, especially those focused on youth, it was with great enthusiasm that they received full support from this State Secretariat and a commitment to aid in implementing future programs.

DAY 5 and 6 »»»

Templar Corps and OSMTHU Commander in new Mission to Guiné Bissau

OSMTHU Commander of Arraiolos, Fr+ Rui Herdadinha, has travelled this week to Guine Bissau on personal business at the invitation of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, but also on an official Templar Corps mission.

During the last year Templar Corps has been preparing an ambitious program that aims to deploy equipment, train and certify local first responders, firefighters and paramedics in Portuguese speaking African countries. In 2023 Jorge Amador, Knight Captain and Vice-National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts of the Templar Corps unit from the Algarve, Portugal lead a training team in Cape Verde and in 2024 Fr+ Alberto dos Santos, KTJ, member of the OSMTHU Grand Priory of Portugal, has organized three charity events on behalf of the children of Luanda. 

The unstable political situation in Guiné-Bissau has forced the Templar Corps to further delay plans for the country. This week, however, Commander Herdadinha conducted a five day training event for senior directors of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Leadership, Economy and Management, reviving opportunities for new actions in the near future. The video bellow [subtitles in English] was featured in the “A Voz do Povo” local channel.

The Templar Corps International (templarcorps.org) is the largest Humanitarian Organization composed of men and women with an interest in the historical Templar Order and their values of Chivalry and Altruism. It has members in over 25 countries.

2024 Forest Fires Appeal – Portugal

FOREST FIRES IN PORTUGAL

READ THE NEWS HERE

AND HERE

We have set up the national network of Knights and friends of the Templar Corps, in order to supply basic goods to the fire fighters who have been working continuously for several days. We gathered food, water, medical supplies and clothing. In the first 24h we were able to send over 9 tons of material through network to the front of the Operational Theatre.

LEADERSHIP INVOLVED:

General Coordination:

F+ Luis de Matos, KGCTJ Chancellor of the OSMTHU
F+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ Commander of Lagos of the GP Portugal OSMTHU

Logistical and Operational Coordination:

F+ Jorge Amador, KTJ, Vice-National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts do Templar Corps

Fr+ Miguel Novais, KSTJ, Leiria

Local support:

Fr+ Nuno Moreira, KSTJ, Alcochete


JOURNAL OF THE OPERATION

SEPTEMBER 16

21:17

A decision is made about creating an Appeal to help Firefights at the Operational Theatre. Deaths have been reported and multiple houses were destroyed by fire. Most Firefighters have been in the forest for over 48h. About 2.000 man are deployed by Civil Protection authorities. In the next few days this number would go up to 5.000.

22:00

Internal zoom call to set the terms of the Appeal. Needs are assessed and a final text is written.

23:43

The appeal is published on Templar Corps social media and website.

SEPTEMBER 17

10:30

The logistical arrangements are finalized and a few Firefighter corporations agree to collaborate in the Appeal.

16:20

The Appeal is updated and republished on social media.

23:00

The appeal is sent by email to Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi members in Portugal.

SEPTEMBER 18

Past 9:00

Donations gathered by members of the Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi start arriving at the Logistic Outposts in Algarve, Alcochete and Camarate. All means of transportation are used.

10:00

Firefighters of Moita, Setubal, agree to be an added point of delivery in the Lisbon region, in view of the overwhelming mobilization that was being achieved. At the end of the afternoon the goods will be transported to Alcochete. The new delivery point is published on Templar Corps social media. Donations start arriving in Moita.

13:42

S+ Ilda Moutinho, DSTJ and F+ Hugo Miguel, KSTJ under the guidance of Commander and F+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ, set a Telegram Channel with up to the minute information about what roads and highways have been cut by authorities.  Over 12 major roads were cut off at his point.

Past 15:00

Donations gathered by members of the Templar Corps, OSMTHU and Secular Templi keep arriving at the Logistic Outposts in Algarve, Alcochete and Camarate.

18:21

Message by Fr+ Sérgio Ferreira, KSTJ:

Donation made in collaboration with Geezy, Continente de São Marcos (Sintra), and TemplarCorps. Delivered to the Camarate Firefighters. And you, have you made your contribution yet?

Our firefighters are urgently in need of water and other basic products. Helping those who defend us is not a right, it’s a duty!

18:30

Donations are sorted, piled in pallets and protected to prepare shipping.

20:00

A truck loaded with nine pallets is transported from Alcochete, Setubal, to Camarate, Lisbon, ready to be distributed in the affected areas at the north.

22:49

Message from Fr+ Nuno Moreira, KSTJ, coordinator of the Operation in Alcochete, Setubal:

As the local representative of the Templar Corps International, and on behalf of all the Templar Brothers, I would like to thank the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters, particularly their President, José Carlos Costa, for all the willingness shown so that together we could successfully carry out this humanitarian mission.

A tiring day comes to an end with a sense of duty fulfilled. Nine pallets of donations were collected to be sent to the firefighters who are battling the fires devastating northern Portugal. A huge thank you to the Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters for their logistical support and for providing space in their station. A very special thank you to Mr. Francisco Nini for his willingness to provide transportation for the donations to the Camarate Volunteer Firefighters station. A heartfelt thanks to all my Templar Brothers and to Templar Corps International.

It feels good to do good.

Non Nobis Domine Non Nobis Sed Nomine Tuo Da Gloriam.

SEPTEMBER 19

9:45

Thank you message by the Alcochete Firefighters:

The Alcochete Volunteer Firefighters served as the logistical hub for receiving essential goods, which were then transported to the areas of operation. Yesterday, a truck carrying essential supplies departed for the regions affected by the fires.

The appeal strictly refers to these essential goods in kind. We are not accepting monetary donations.

We ask that no one goes to the fire-affected areas.

We thank the Templar Corps International for the solidarity shown, as well as for their organization and support. (…)

17:00

Thank you letter from Fr+ Victor Varela Martins, KCTJ, National Commander Relief/Humanitarian Efforts Portugal

Dear Friends:

The Templar Corps International wishes to tank the Volunteer Firefighter Corps of:

Ajuda
Alcochete
Camarate
Moita, to their respective Boards, Commanders, volunteers, and members;
To MedyAmbulances, Lagoa;
To the NaturBoticae Clinic, Lagos;
To CONTINENTE in Sintra;
To the company TOFRASANS, owned by Mr. Francisco Nini from Alcochete;
To the ever-generous population of various villages who immediately, opportunely, voluntarily, and charitably responded to the call issued by Templar Corps and to the various entities that responded and cooperated with donations, providing storage space, and offering local logistical support.

This is an exceptional, sad, and painful time, but the ability of our local communities to transcend and cooperate gives hope that not everything is lost, and that the lives lost were not and will not be in vain! The best way to honor them is by doing what needs to be done. The tireless work of the firefighters must have continued support!

In our role, the Templar Corps International will remain attentive and cooperative, as always!

A thank you to our Templar Corps volunteers who answered the call, and in particular, recognition to the Knights and Dames of the Order of the Temple who coordinated the entire effort over the past two days in various areas. The immediate mission set out has been fulfilled.

From issuing alerts and information, coordinating donation collection points, managing distribution and transport logistics, maintaining institutional relationships with donors, liaising with the Firefighter Corps, handling strategy and technical support, to overseeing communications and monitoring the situation around the clock— for all this and much more, the involved Knights and Dames deserve recognition and demonstrate that Templar Chivalry is alive today!

Thank you to:
KTJ Jorge Amador, 2nd National Commander TCI
KSTJ Miguel Novais Ribeiro
KSTJ Nuno Moreira
KTJ João Rafael Gonçalves
DTJ Zezinha Viegas
DSTJ Ilda Moutinho
KSTJ Hugo Miguel Rodrigues
KTJ Rui Rocha
KSTJ Sérgio Ferreira
DSTJ Lídia Antunes
KSTJ José Lemos, who, each with their own availability and skills, embraced the missions assigned to them, in some cases putting their knowledge and experience at the service of Templar Chivalry and TemplarCorps.

To all the other Brothers, I know many remained in reserve, as a strategic backup, ready to assume functions if called upon. To everyone, thank you!!!

This is Chivalry in action, the Temple is fulfilled by coordinated and ordered action around the Axis, and that is our Service.

For the greater glory of God.

Victor Varela Martins
TemplarCorps International
National Commander / Relief and Humanitarian Efforts Portugal

 

Serviço aos Peregrinos

Lagos, 8 de Setembro de 2024
A Cavalaria sendo chamada, responde presente.
Se a Tónica e Missão da Ordem do Templo contempla o Serviço, então tanto os Caminhos quanto os Peregrinos devem ser cuidados, sempre.
Se a Cavalaria Templária protege, o Sacerdócio oficia. Para a maior glória de Deus.

Obras na torre pentagonal de Dornes revelam segredos dos cavaleiros templários

Moedas, um pavimento em xisto e uma necrópole fazem parte das descobertas durante obras de restauro na torre da Ordem do Templo.

O município de Ferreira do Zêzere anunciou esta sexta-feira que vai instalar um espaço museológico e de visitação na torre templária pentagonal de Dornes, depois de arqueólogos terem ali descoberto uma necrópole, moedas e outros artefactos medievais.

“Nós vamos proporcionar a quem visita um conjunto alargado de experiências, nomeadamente a torre vai ser visitável no seu topo, com uma vista de 360º sobre a península de Dornes, a par de uma experiência imersiva, com “videomapping”, naquilo que é a Rota dos Templários e que dará conta de algumas das histórias e das lendas de Dornes”, disse à Lusa o presidente do município de Ferreira do Zêzere, no distrito de Santarém, Bruno Gomes.

Os trabalhos de requalificação da torre pentagonal, um “raro exemplar da arquitetura militar erguida pelos templários” para defesa da linha do Tejo, estão em curso desde 2023, com os resultados das prospeções arqueológicas a atrasarem a data prevista para conclusão das obras e a levarem mesmo à reformulação do projeto inicial, depois de terem sido encontradas, no exterior da torre, uma necrópole medieval, algumas sepulturas, e recuperadas algumas moedas.

“Aquilo que eu considero de maior relevância tem sido precisamente os achados que junto à torre apareceram no âmbito das prospeções arqueológicas, como uma necrópole, que queremos preservar, a par de artefactos, moedas, e fios”, entre outros materiais, “e queremos aproveitar a torre para os preservar em espaço museológico”, afirmou Bruno Gomes.

As escavações arqueológicas decorreram no interior e exterior da torre, edificação com funções militares e de defesa construída em xisto e calcário no início do século XIII sobre a base de uma antiga torre romana.

No interior da torre existem estelas funerárias de cavaleiros da Ordem do Templo e “o estudo destas lápides poderá revelar mais detalhes sobre a história dos templários na região”.

As moedas encontradas no exterior da torre “permitiram datar com maior rigor” a cronologia daqueles enterramentos, sendo que, “no seu interior, também foram efetuados trabalhos arqueológicos onde, a um metro de profundidade, foi detetado um pavimento (lajeado em xisto) que foi já escavado para aferir cronologias e avaliar a existência de outros contextos arqueológicos preservados” que contribuam para um maior conhecimento da história deste monumento.

A torre templária de Dornes, “com a sua forma pentagonal, constitui um raro exemplar da arquitetura militar da reconquista cristã”, encontrando-se classificada como Imóvel de Interesse Público desde 1943.

“A torre pentagonal, só por isso muito singular, com a sua recuperação e integração na Rota dos Templários, em parceria com a Comunidade Intermunicipal do Médio Tejo, vai conferir importância maior e valorizar ainda mais aquilo que são os ativos turísticos desta região”, sinalizou o autarca.

No projeto de “Restauro, conservação e requalificação da Torre Pentagonal de Dornes e sua envolvente”, feito pela Paróquia de Dornes, o município assumiu a candidatura a apoios financeiros e, em protocolo, como “dona da obra”.

O investimento global previsto é de 529 mil euros, incluindo a obra e a musealização da torre pentagonal, dos quais 370 mil euros constam como valor elegível e com um financiamento a 70% pelo Turismo de Portugal, estando em fase de “reprogramação temporal e financeira”.

Bruno Gomes perspetivou que “até ao final do ano” a requalificação da torre possa estar concluída e que, “paralelamente, está a ser efetuado um inventário de todo o espólio existente”, tendo apontado para 2025 a musealização da torre.

Mandada edificar por Gualdim Pais, mestre da Ordem do Templo, para defesa da linha do Tejo, terá sido construída sobre a base de uma antiga torre romana. No interior da torre encontram-se, intactas, algumas estelas funerárias templárias. No século XVI, perdida a função guerreira, foi transformada em torre sineira.

in rr.sapo.pt

Secular Templi nas Festas de São Gerardo, Almádena

No passado dia 21 de julho, foi dia de festa em Almadena em honra ao seu patrono, S. Gerardo. Foi dia de união, confraternização e comunhão.

A OMSTHU através do Secular Templi, mais uma vez esteve ao serviço da paróquia e da comunidade local, com a presença de oito cavaleiros e duas damas da ordem.

Após a participação na celebração eucarística e bênção das grávidas celebrada pelo padre Fernando, os irmãos da Ordem, integraram na procissão transportando o andor da Nossa Senhora e fazendo duas colunas de protecção à divina celebração, num perfeito enquadramento, em que o andor do Padroeiro foi transportado por uma delegação de veteranos para-quedistas.

No final o convívio foi salutar, consolidando a dimensão fraternal, comunitária e de serviço da Ordem.

Requiescat in pace

Antonio Paris, Master of the OSMTHU and his Magisterial Council join in prayer at the occasion of the passing of Grand Master (emeritus) of OSMTH, Gen. Patrick Rea. Fr+ Patrick was a good friend and a high standing Templar brother, to whom the Order owes many good years of dedicated service.

May God have mercy on his soul. We offer our condolences to the family and the OSMTH.

Templar Corps International – Helping the Children of Angola

Fr+ Alberto dos Santos, KTJ, member of the OSMTHU Grand Priory of Portugal, has organized a second event on behalf of the children of Luanda. Coupled with Fr+ Vítor Diogo Rodrigues from KMFAP – Embassy of the Federation of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, the event took place at the EL BETEL Association – A Shelter Center for Disadvantaged Children and Youth in the capital of Angola.

They donated toys, food items, medicines and provided much needed free medical consultations. It was a day of celebration for the children and the staff of EL BETEL. The Templar Corps is committed to keep the international goodwill chain of Chivalry active. This initiative was sponsored by the companies CLIMEDICO ANGOLA, Grupo FORSAUDE, FITCENTER, and SIKA.

Please, help support the Templar Corps International by donating here: https://templarcorps.org/donate/

Comenda do Algarve Acolhe Trabalhos do Templo Secular

Foi com humildade, honra, trabalho, temor e muita fraternidade que esta Comenda do Algarve acolheu os trabalhos dos últimos três dias, em Lagos e em Castro-Marim.

O Grão-Priorado de Portugal da OSMTHU

Ordo Templi – Osmthu

e as suas estruturas da Ordem do Templo a si subordinadas

Templários – Secular Templi

http://www.seculartempli.org

Comenda de Laccobriga

Preceptoria de Castro-Marim

Templar Corps International

está a celebrar os 30 anos de trabalho continuado em Portugal e para tal desenvolve um conjunto de eventos ao longo de todo o ano. Destes, acolhemos a realização de:

+ Quinta-feira – Conferência pela Paz – com diversos oradores locais, nacionais e internacionais e cerimónia de atribuições de graus de mérito;

+ Sexta-feira – visita-guiada por alguns dos pontos da globalização, da consolidação do território nacional e da Ordem de Cristo, no Barlavento Algarvio;

 

+ Sábado – Armação de novos Cavaleiros e Damas da Ordem e atribuições de graus de mérito.

Os Irmãos do Algarve agradecem a confiança do Seren. Grão-Prior Geral de Portugal dos Ramos Soberano e Secular da OSMTHU, a participação e apoio de Irmãos de todas as Comendas e mensagens dos Resp. Comendadores do GPP-OSMTHU; assim como a fraternal vinda de inúmeros Irmãos de todo o país, assim como dos Grão-Priores do Priorado de Espanha , do Líbano  e da Terra-Santa  e , dos Homenageados de ambos os dias, das Entidades Oficiais presentes, dos oradores nacionais e internacionais, dos convidados, do público visitante, dos serviços de apoio e logística da Fortaleza de Sagres, dos Castelos de Silves e de Castro-Marim e das Câmaras Municipais de Lagos, de Silves e de Castro-Marim.

Em especial aos agraciados pelo seu mérito, obrigado pelo exemplo que nos dão!!!

Aos Cavaleiros e Damas de Laccobriga, obrigado!!!

Obrigado Excelências, obrigado Irmãos.

Quando a Ordem se manifesta, realiza o que lhe cumpre e exige-se-lhe que seja grata, pois o que Esta faz, fá-lo, pela glória do Altíssimo, servindo a Sua criação.

Lagos, 4, 5 e 6 de Julho/2024

O Comendador de Laccobriga