It is with a profound sense of gratitude and emotion that I address you all at this most meaningful ceremony: the reopening of the Chapel of Our Lady of Affliction – a space of faith, memory and identity for our family and for the community that surrounds us.

In 1952, my grandfather, António Pereira dos Santos, acquired the Chapel and reinstated the religious celebrations in Honor of Our Lady of Affliction, which, since then, have never again been interrupted.

The Chapel has been a landmark in our family, assuming a central role not only as a place of worship but also as a place of devotion and gathering. A space where we found peace in difficult times, and where we celebrated, with faith, the defining moments of our lives – wedding celebrations, family gatherings, and occasions of prayer and reflection. It therefore represents not only a physical heritage, but also an emotional and spiritual one. I learned from my parents (faithful custodians and true curators of the Chapel of Our Lady of Affliction) to always keep its doors open to the entire community, providing a spiritual refuge to all, and for all.

Sadly, on 17 September 2024, the wildfires that devastated this region completely consumed this cherished place. The destruction of the Chapel was a deeply felt loss, a painful blow that left a void in our lives and in the lives of the people of Branzelo, who tried in vain to protect and defend this chapel from the fury of the flames.

However, this moment of sorrow, of apparent abandonment, also became an outstretched hand, the starting point for an extraordinary path of solidarity and institutional cooperation, which united the will to rebuild the Chapel with the determination to return to the population the possibility of once again celebrating, on the first Sunday of September, the Feast in Honour of Our Lady of Affliction.

In the name of our family, I express our deepest gratitude to the Ismaili Imamat and to His Highness the Aga Khan, for their prompt availability in taking a crucial role in the reconstruction of the Chapel. And I express also my heartfelt thank you to Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan for his availability in honouring us with his presence. I must also highlight the role of Comendador Nazim, whose commitment and energy were crucial for the reconstruction of the Chapel.

We also extend our thanks to the Municipality of Gondomar and the Parish Council of Melres and Medas, who, in close partnership, joined this collective effort, making it possible for us to gather here today with dignity and renewed hope.

The reopening of this Chapel symbolises more than the restoration of a building. It represents the continuity of a tradition, the preservation of the collective memory of this place and the strength of our faith. It is also a testimony that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to rebuild, with unity, with respect and with generosity.

On behalf of our family, I express our deepest gratitude to all (without exception) who contributed to making this day possible.

As our beloved Pope Francis said: EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE.

May this chapel continue to be, for many generations to come, a place of prayer, gathering and peace.

Thank you very much.