As previously reported by Fides, the Royal Confraternity of Saint Theotonius (Real Confraria de São Teotónio, RCST), founded in Portugal and named after the country’s first saint, conferred the title of Spiritual Protector on Bishop Raimo Goyarrola in July.
Saint Theotonius
Saint Theotonius (São Teotónio) was born in Ganfei, Portugal, around 1082 and died in Coimbra on 18 February 1162. He was canonised as early as 1163 and is regarded as Portugal’s first saint.
Theotonius served as an adviser and confessor to Portugal’s first king, Afonso I. He renewed religious life in Portugal and contributed to the establishment of the Augustinian monastic tradition in the country. He was also known for his commitment to social and charitable work, including helping the poor, prisoners of war and slaves.
Theotonius received his early education in his native Ganfei and continued his studies in Coimbra and Viseu. He was ordained a priest and subsequently became a canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Viseu and later its prior. After making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, he planned to settle in the Holy Land but returned to Portugal. There, in 1131, he founded the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra and served as its first prior. The monastic community followed the Rule of Saint Augustine. Theotonius declined appointment as a bishop and spent the final years of his life at the monastery.
In 1652, Saint Theotonius was declared the patron saint of the city and Diocese of Viseu. His memorial is celebrated on 18 February.
The Confraternity of Saint Theotonius
The Royal Confraternity of Saint Theotonius (Real Confraria de São Teotónio, RCST) was founded in Portugal in 2000. It preserves the memory of Saint Theotonius and Portugal’s Christian cultural heritage and engages in charitable and humanitarian activities.
In its activities, the confraternity uses ceremonies, titles, mantles and insignia inspired by historical chivalric traditions. Despite this, it is neither an order of knighthood recognised by the Holy See nor a Portuguese state order. The title of Spiritual Protector is an office and honour conferred by the confraternity itself.
The confraternity’s motto is Surge Rex meus, erige regnum tuum (“Arise, my King, build up your kingdom”), and its colours are blue and white.
The confraternity is active in several countries. In Finland, the activities of its members have included support for the Parish of St Bridget and Blessed Hemming in Turku.
Christel Monni