The Diocese of Braganza - Miranda (Portugal)

VICAR OF CHRIST | THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE DUKES OF BRAGANZA |
DIOCESE OF BRAGANZA - MIRANDA | THE PARISH OF SAINT EULALIA OF FORNOS |
DAILY PRACTICES | NOVENA | MANUEL DE JESUS DIEGUES |

THE DIOCESE OF BRAGANÇA - MIRANDA
On May, 22nd 1545 the town and territory of Miranda do Douro (Northeast of Portugal) was elevated by King John III to City and by Pope Paul III to Diocese. Thus, when the Order of Saint Eulalia was founded in 1643 by Dame Leonor Mateus, it had its spiritual headquarters (Sede Spiritualis) in the Diocese of Miranda. And it was only after the reunion with the Diocese of Braganza on September, 27th 1780, that the Most Reverend Lord Bishop of Braganza - Miranda became Chaplain General. It is written in the Code (Chapter II, Article 9, reformed in 2008) that «in the eventuality of a separation of the Dioceses of Braganza and Miranda, the title shall go to the Most Reverend Lord Bishop of Miranda (once again)».

The Order of Saint Eulalia is a Sovereign Subject of International Law and is not bound in obedience to the Diocese, nor to the Most Reverend Lord Bishop but, in memory of its original birth place and spiritual headquarters (Sede Spiritualis) and in recognition and obedience to the Holy Father who appoints the Lord Bishop, the Order recognizes whomever sits in that place the title of Chaplain General with the Degree of Knight Commander in the habit and insignia.

The Order also recognizes to the Lord Bishop, in the quality of Chaplain General, the right to commute penalties and fines into «spiritual penance» according to the Code (Chapter II, Article 14, reformed in 2008) under request of the accused. In him (Chaplain General) resides exclusively and without appeal the form and application of such spiritual penances.

The Order urges all its Knights and Dames to pray daily three Hail Mary's for the intentions of the Most Reverend Lord Bishop of Braganza - Miranda with the special request to Christ, Our Lord and Savior, to bestow upon him the blessings of Health, Wisdom and Courage.