Os sermões em torno da Rainha Santa em Coimbra

Resumo

The present study will analyze seven sermons proclaimed between 1625 and 1772 in honour of the Holy Queen (Rainha Santa), Isabel of Aragon, who was canonized in 1625. Among the orators, we find Father Antonio Vieira who preached at the church of St. Anthony of the Portuguese (Sant’Antonio
dei Portoghesi) in Rome in 1674, and the Spaniard, Friar Hortencio Félix Paravicino y Arteaga Palavicino in Madrid in 1625.
Apart from other aspects that could be included in a more comprehensive study, we have paid particular attention to the biblical, patristic, theological and cultural arguments, on which the sermons’authors based their reasoning. Practically all the books of the Old and New Testaments are cited. Isabel of Aragon’s biographers are often referred to, as is the case of the Jesuits Antonio de Vasconcellos, who wrote the renowned “Anacephalaeosis”, and Pedro João Perpinhão, a Spaniard and esteemed humanist at the College of Arts of Coimbra and other national and European institutions. The latter left us a vast number of works, several of which are dedicated to the patron saint of Coimbra. Revealing all their profound knowledge of the sacred texts, the preachers multiply their considerations in comparisons between the life and virtues of Isabel and the personalities and facts of biblical and profane history, thus following the predominant style of the time. We have at times expanded on their considerations, providing a few philological-theological notes, which may help in better understanding the wealth of the texts they used and, consequently, the thoughts they expressed in these important testimonies of canonical eloquence. The fervent panegyric concern aims to present the Holy Queen as a model of the ascesis and spirituality that should be aspired to by listeners and readers. Also worthy of note is the patriotic tone that accompanies the sermons in honour of the illustrious daughter of Saragossa who found her resting place in Coimbra.