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The story of the
worship of Senhor Santo Cristo begins at the convent in Caloura, Água de Pau, on the island of S. Miguel.
It is traditionally known that Caloura was the first place on the island to have a nunnery. Its foundation was
possible mainly because of Jorge da Mota´s daughter's piety, who were from Vila Franca do Campo.
In order for such
a task to take place it was necessary that someone go to Rome to appeal for the respective Apostolic consent. Therefore,
two nuns from S. Miguel went to the Eternal City requesting the desired document from the Pope. Their mission was
carried out so well that the Pope not only issued the eagered consent but also gave them an Image of the Ecce Homo.
Back at the Valley of Cabaços, the unique Image was put in a niche where it remained only a few years.
Because the area
was secluded and too exposed to pirate raids, one day, the small monastery was abandoned by the nuns, some of which
went to Santo André in Vila Franca do Campo, and the others to the Esperança Monastery,<Hope>,
in Ponta Delgada that had recently been founded by Donor Captain Rui Gonçalves da Câmara´s widow.
Nevertheless, the
Image of Senhor Santo Cristo was not forgotten at the Valley of Cabaços. A Gallician nun, Mother Inês
de Santa Iria, brought it with her to Ponta Delgada.
( Next Page ) - The first procession ›› 
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