Capela de São Bentinho
St. Benedict's chapel
St. Benedict, founder of the Order of Benedictines at Monte Casino, in 529, in the Italic peninsula, was considered the creator of the Rule of St. Benedict, one of the primary regulations of monastic life. He was considered by the Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) patron of Europe in 1964.
St. Benedict it is linked to the history of the Misericórdia de Braga (House of Mercy of Braga) and to the hospital de S. Marcos (St. Marcus Hospital) since the 18th century, and he is considered the patron of the institution.
In addition to sharing the same name, the history of this chapel it is directly connected with the hospital de S. Marcos (St. Marcus Hospital), a great health centre for the citizens of Braga and for many others from different areas of Minho.
Most of the hospital patients, or someone close to them, went to this chapel either to beg for help or to thank for being able to return home.
From the mid-twentieth century, the devotion to São Bento (St. Benedict) grew, and consequently, the alms. It became an important point of attraction for the sick and devoted that tried to find some spiritual comfort in this place.
Nowadays, the devotees of São Bento do Hospital (St. Benedict of the Hospital) still make frequent visits to the chapel and participate in acts of cult. In the visits. They have the habit to leave in this place candles, flowers, and other objects.
More than a century after, S. Bento (St. Benedict) attracts a huge number of people to the prayers.
St. Benedict's day
Open on thursdays
Schedule visits:
cimmb.praio@scmbraga.pt | 253 206 520