GLNP – 05OUT1910
My Most Dear Brethren,
Today, gathered under the aegis of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, we celebrate one of the most remarkable moments in the history of Portugal, the 05th of October.
This date is not merely a symbol of political change, it represents the triumph of an ideal, the victory of hope, and the awakening of a nation towards a free and sovereign future.
It was on the 05th of October 1910, that after centuries of monarchy, the Portuguese people rose in pursuit of a new era, an era where power would not be determined by bloodline, but by merit, effort, and collective will.
The Republic was born to return to the people their voice, their dignity, and their sovereignty, enshrining values that resonate to this day in the heart of every patriot.
Today, more than a century later, we celebrate not only the Republic, but also the principles that sustain it.
These are the principles that form the foundation of our society and find resonance in the columns of Freemasonry.
In its essence, Freemasonry is a school of virtues, a space where free men of good character gather to perfect their own nature, expand their knowledge, and practise true solidarity.
The Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa, the guardian of these values on Lusitanian soil, keeps alive the flame of the ideals that gave rise to the Republic.
We are, like the republicans who fought more than 100 years ago, defenders of freedom of thought, social justice, and human progress.
Like them, we believe that the construction of a just society begins with the individual improvement of each one of us, with the relentless pursuit of truth, and with dedication to the common good.
My Brethren, by celebrating the 05th of October, we reaffirm our commitment to Portugal.A commitment that is not confined to the past but drives us to look to the future.
Just as the revolutionaries of 1910 dreamt of a fairer, more prosperous, and freer country, so too must we, as Freemasons, be the agents of that transformation.
Today’s world demands courage, perseverance, and unity.
And who better than us, who have sworn to work towards the betterment of Man and society, to be the catalysts of the change our country needs?
May our work in the Respected Lodges, inspired by the principles of the Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa, reflect in our daily actions, in our communities, and throughout the national territory.
On this day of celebration of the Republic, let us remember that Freemasonry has been, throughout the centuries, a bastion of freedom and progress.
May our Rituals, our Sessions, and our debates prepare us to be, more than ever, true servants of our nation and humanity.
May the republican spirit of the 05th of October continue to guide us, illuminating our path, just as the Compass and the Square illuminate our hearts and minds.
Esteemed Brethren, the construction of a strong, just, and dignified Nation depends on each one of us.
May the example of the heroes of 1910 inspire us to be better, more dedicated, and more committed to the values that define Portugal and our Brotherhood.
Long live the 05th of October! Long live Portugal! Long live the Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa!
Lisbon, 05th of October, 6024 (A.·. L.·.)
(Nuno Tinoco Ferreira)XV Grand Master of the Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa - GLNP
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