The Holy Spirit in the Azores - Império da Ascenção 2024 - Coroação

The cult of the Holy Spirit (also known as Holy Ghost) is an important part of the religious culture of the Azores, not only the archipelago itself but also in the widespread diaspora, mainly in the US and Canada.
The devotion to the Holy Spirit is part of catholic religion since the XIII century. In the Azores this devotion was introduced back in the days of colonization, where newly discovered land was settled with Catholics with rituals and religions traditions brought from the mainland Portugal.
The cult is organized in a particular way, depending on the island. Sometimes certain traditions change even in the same island.
Brotherhoods are the core of the devotion. In there, Brothers, neighbours and residents from a specific area, all voluntary and equal in rights and responsibilities, get together in an Império to worship the Holy Spirit. A draw usually occurs and the chosen Brother receives the title of Mordomo.
The mordomo is seen as the person responsible to organize the event, manage funding , and is responsible for spreading the benevolence, faith and charity, where everyone including the poor are not left behind.
Sometimes some Brothers make an offering or promise to the Holy Spirit and in this case the Brotherhood generally accepts the proposing Brother as the Mordomo.
The main ceremony occurs in the church, during Coronation, where a silver crown is placed on the head of the person entitled.
After the Coronation, the crowns are collected and proceed to the Império, placed for exhibition. The offerings (usually meat, bread and wine) are then blessed are distributed in the Bodo.
Everyone is invited and can take part of the Bodo. Usually soup with some meat and bread is offered in honour of the Holy Spirit. Massa sovada with rice pudding is also distributed.
This Império was held in the Rosário Parish, in São Miguel island, Azores. This video features the so called Coronation Procession, where all the flags and crowns from the Brotherhood take part and are exhibited.
In the second part of the video, we see a glimpse of the Bodo preparation, where soup with meat and bread are distributed to whoever wants, in honour of the Holy Spirit.