Who is São Gonçalo?

Saint Gonçalo was born in the middle of the 17th century, in Tagilde, Portugal. Coming from a noble family, Gonçalo was always a Christian, and from a very young age he could already begin his studies for priesthood.

His day is celebrated on January 10. He is considered the patron saint of bones, and although not everyone knows it, he is also a matchmaker saint, because there is a tradition that says that everyone who touches his tomb receives a blessing to have a happy marriage.

Gonçalo was always a very happy man, he loved music and the "rodas de viola" (guitars), and that's why he is also considered the protector of the guitar players. He even played the Portuguese guitar, and used it to explain the word of God. Like all saints, Saint Gonçalo also went through difficulties and trials.

History of São Gonçalo

Saint Gonçalo came from a noble lineage, and decided at a very early age to start studying to become a priest. After he had his studies completed, he went on pilgrimage to various holy places, such as Rome and Jerusalem.

His pilgrimage lasted 14 years, and on his return he had a sad disappointment with his nephew, who did not accept him and therefore spread false news about his death. To know the details of this story of faith and devotion, follow the reading.

Origin of São Gonçalo

Saint Gonçalo of Amarante is a saint originally from Portugal, who was born around the year 1200. He takes this name because he practiced a good part of his mission in the city of Amarante. The young Christian began his studies as a priest still very young, in the cathedral school of the Archdiocese of Braga.

After his ordination, Gonçalo became parish priest of São Pio de Vizela. He stayed there for a few good years, when he decided to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he stayed for another 14 years. Not even Gonçalo could have imagined the negative surprises that would await him on his return home, coming from his nephew.

However, before finding out about this, you will need to understand more deeply how this mission trip was, from dear São Gonçalo. This you will see in the sequence.

Holy Land

One of Saint Gonçalo's greatest desires in going on a mission was also to be able to visit the tombs of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Since he was a parish priest, he obtained a license to be able to go out there, so he left the parishioners in the care of his nephew, whom until then he thought was someone trustworthy.

St. Gonçalo then left for Rome, and soon after went to Jerusalem. His journey/mission lasted 14 years. However, what he could not imagine, was that his own nephew did not accept him and even less recognized him as a parish priest. Thus, during the time that Gonçalo was away, the nephew spread false rumors about his death, all out of pure envy.

The nephew even used false documents to convince the others. These lies did not reach Gonçalo's ears during his trip, and so he continued his journey preaching the Gospel.

The return to Portugal

After 14 years in mission, Gonçalo finally returned to Portugal, and when he got there he had bad news. The nephew in which he had left as pastor temporarily, refused to return the post, and convinced the Bishop that Gonçalo was a great impostor, claiming falsely, that his real uncle had already died.

Besides having his position usurped by the envy of his nephew, the boy also got all the goods that belonged to Gonçalo. The saint even tried to convince the bishop about his identity, however, there were numerous attempts without success.

Wanting to avoid fights, even being a victim, Gonçalo left there, and resumed his pilgrimage. He stopped at the region of Rio Tâmega, today called Amarante. There he made his history and left his name marked.

The hermit of Amarante

After the disappointments caused by his nephew, Gonçalo withdrew from the region to avoid fights and live a life as a hermit in Aramante, in a small and simple hermitage, built by the river Tâmega.

This region was located in the District of Porto, and it was there that Gonçalo started the construction of a chapel. In addition, he also made possible the construction of a bridge over the river, which brought many benefits to the population of the region.

With the bridge, the people could start to make the safe crossing of the river, and this still solved the problems of flooding. Because of this, until today, São Gonçalo is very invoked to protect against floods and storms.

Prostitution was also a great concern of São Gonçalo in that region. Because of that, it started to occupy the prostitutes' time so that they would get tired and could no longer exercise their trade.

So, every Saturday, Gonçalo used to wear women's clothes and nails inside his shoes, as a form of penance. And so, he played his guitar all night long, so that the girls would dance and convert. Once they got tired of dancing so much on Saturdays, they would not prostitute themselves on Sundays.

Our Lady's answer

During his life as a hermit in Amarante, Saint Gonçalo asked Our Lady in prayer for a light about the right path he should take towards holiness. Our Lady then answered that he should begin in an order in which he began the office with the angel's greeting, which was the prayer of the Hail Mary.

Gonçalo in turn understood the message and started in the Dominican order, where some time later, he was admitted to solemn vows. Thus, he received from a Dominican confrere, a leave from his life in the convent, a fact that allowed him in his last years of life, to return to live as a hermit, in the region of Tâmega.

Death

There are many accounts of miracles that surround the stories of Saint Gonçalo. One of them is exactly related to his death. Some say that the day of his death was revealed to him, a fact that would have allowed Saint Gonçalo to prepare himself for it, by receiving the Sacraments.

It is not known for sure the real date of his death. However, it is known that it was between the years 1259 to 1262, in the region of Amarante, where he made a difference in the lives of many people, and left his name marked in history.

Miracles of Saint Gonçalo

Like all saints, the life of Saint Gonçalo was marked by numerous miracles, from the bridge of the river Tâmega, already mentioned briefly in this article, to the miracle of the rocks, the fish, the bulls, among others.

As you can see, the history of São Gonçalo is very rich, and it is worth knowing more about it, and discover all its details. Check it out.

The bridge of the river Tâmega

As soon as he arrived in this region to live a hermit's life, Saint Gonçalo observed that the passage between the banks of the River Tâmega was extremely dangerous for anyone who ventured there. At the same moment he felt extremely moved by this situation and decided to build a bridge.

However, this was not a simple work, and despite receiving the help of local residents, this was an arduous job, full of obstacles. However, despite this, it was also from this construction that many miracles of São Gonçalo came out, showing everyone that faith really does move mountains, and literally.

Keep your attention in the reading, because in the sequence, you will follow in a more specific way the details of all these miracles, which occur from the idea of the construction of this bridge, which came to improve and much the life of that village.

Before going on with the miracles, it is worth remembering that the population also suffered a lot with the floods in that region, before the bridge. The waters did real damage there. More than a bridge that helped the crossing, this construction made a real difference in the lives of many people there.

The miracle of the rocks

During the construction of the bridge of Rio Tâmega, one of the main difficulties was the absurd weight of the rocks, which made it difficult to move. Even with the help of the villagers, it was impossible to move them.

It was then that São Gonçalo had a divine sign. Moved by the efforts of the population, he got close to a rock and said, that for that rock, just one old man was enough. At the same instant he began to push it with ease, counting on divine help.

The miracle of water and wine

Still during the construction of the bridge of the River Tâmega, which came to change the life of the population of that village, there was a lack of something to renew the energies of the workers who were engaged in the construction of it. Therefore, a water at that moment would be very welcome, and would facilitate the work.

It was then that Saint Gonçalo touched a stone, and in the same instant a fountain of crystalline and abundant water came out of it. However, it is worth pointing out that the water, although fundamental, did not make the workers happy. Saint Gonçalo then touched the workers once again, and touched another stone, which this time poured out a fountain of wine.

The miracle of the fishes

Previously, you saw that through miracles, Saint Gonçalo was able to quench the thirst of the men working on the construction of the bridge. However, that alone was not enough, it was also necessary to feed the workers.

In this way, Saint Gonçalo, always in prayer, approached the river and asked God to help them, and always made the sign of the cross over the waters. As if by magic, in the sequence a shoal of fish appeared, and that was enough to feed and satiate all those workers.

The miracle of the bulls

After finding out about the miracle of the fish, you must have already realized that Saint Gonçalo had a great relationship with the animals. However, this good relationship was not only with the water creatures.

One day, the saint was given some extremely brave and ferocious bulls. However, with his serene voice, he tamed the bulls with a single word. Thus, they soon calmed down, and continued to follow those who guided them.

The miracle of the scale

Once, Saint Gonçalo asked for a donation for a rich man, so that he could help in his works. However, the man did not give much importance to Gonçalo, and said that he would give a paper to his wife to give to the saint. This should be weighed, to see what the value of the paper would be.

Both the man and the woman knew that it wouldn't give much. When they handed the paper to Saint Gonçalo, the woman laughed and said that the "credit" wouldn't be worth anything, because her husband had written on it that when the paper was weighed, they would give her alms.

São Gonçalo then weighed the paper, and by putting in just a part of the goal, when it seemed that only a few grains of wheat were missing to put the scales in balance, the paper began to weigh and with that began to arrive sacks and more sacks from all over the barn, and not even then was the weight of the paper equalized.

More about São Gonçalo

São Gonçalo had a very rich history in life, and wherever he went he left his legacy. So, there is a lot of important information about him, that if you are really interested in his history, it is important that you know.

Like, for example, his day, the commemorations in his honor, both in Brazil and in Portugal, among other things. Check it out below.

Saint Gonçalo's Day

The day of Saint Gonçalo is celebrated every year on August 10, and in many cities where he is a saint, this day is declared a holiday, as in the city of Rio de Janeiro that bears the saint's name, São Gonçalo, for example.

This date was titled as his day, for it is told in the records that he died precisely on a January 10, of as yet uncertain year, which must range from 1259 to 1262.

São Gonçalo, the matchmaker of the old women

São Gonçalo has always had the reputation of being the "matchmaker for the old ladies", which in the old days didn't seem to please the younger ones, who didn't have the patience to wait. Because of that, a famous verse was born, which said

S. Gonçalo de Amarante,

Matchmaker for old ladies,

Why don't you marry the new ones?

What did they do to you?

Thus, scholars say that Saint Gonçalo shares with Saint Anthony the title of matchmaker without conflict, after all, one marries the young, and the other marries the old. Therefore, it is understood that if Saint Anthony does not meet the request of a young girl, in the future, Saint Gonçalo will be in charge of answering her plea for marriage.

Because of his fame as a matchmaker, there are still many stories about Saint Gonçalo. Some say that those who pray on his tomb will get married. Others believe that those who pull the rope found on the saint's waist in his church three times will finally "unhip".

However, it is no longer possible to do this practice, because to preserve the image and avoid that it could break, it was placed in a very high place in the church, so that no one can grate it anymore and have chances to knock it down.

Patron saint of guitar players

Saint Gonçalo was always very happy, and loved to sing and play guitar. Some reports also tell that he played the Portuguese guitar, as a way to evangelize the population. It's worth remembering an episode already reported here in this article. Saint Gonçalo was very concerned with the girls that fell into prostitution, or let themselves be taken by the worldly life, somehow.

He would dress up as a woman and play his guitar for the girls all Saturday night so that they would get tired of dancing so much that on Sunday they would not be able to prostitute themselves or go on a bender.

Around the world, countless musicians cultivate devotion to the saint because of this.

Celebration in Brazil

São Gonçalo is the patron saint of some cities in Brazil, and therefore, the saint's day is usually a holiday in these cities, which hold several masses and celebrations for him. In the city of Rio de Janeiro that bears the saint's name, for example, there have been years when the celebrations lasted five days. In these, they had conventional masses, procession, concerts, and even presentations of theater groups.

In the mining town of São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo, the celebrations also usually take more than one day, and usually have specific themes. The festivities usually begin with a procession to the departure of the flag of São Gonçalo. Then there are novenas, masses and shows.

Commemoration in Portugal

In Portugal every 10th of January it usually happens the Feast of Saint Gonçalo in Amarante, this practice happens since the XV century. This feast has also happened on September 16th because this was the day of Saint Gonçalo?s beatification.

However, between the years 1969/1970, both were unified and started to be celebrated only on the traditional January 10, day of the saint's death. This festival takes place both in the church of São Gonçalo, as well as in its chapel, in the region.

Connecting with São Gonçalo

Nothing better to connect with your saint of devotion, than to pray directly to him. So, below you can know a general prayer dedicated to Saint Gonçalo, and also a special prayer for those who wish to get married.

Also, know the powerful novena of Saint Gonçalo, and ask for intercession to this beloved saint.

Prayer of Saint Gonçalo

"O admirable Saint Gonçalo! Glory of Portugal, Light of Amarante and of the whole Holy Church, apostle with all the predicates and full of the glory of God, martyr of desire, virgin most pure, anointed vessel of celestial purity, mirror of perfect humility and wisdom, you are the joy of the angelic choirs, terror of heretics and of the infernal spirits who fear and tremble at your name and with your stupendous miracles andgraces, is the refuge and consolation of his devotees.

Today I give a thousand thanks for such singular excellences which were adorned your most pure soul and I rejoice that you are now glorified in the heavenly homeland in the company of the choir of angels. O most miraculous Saint!

That by his virtue the Divine Infant gave temporal and spiritual life to so many dead, sight to so many blind, hearing to so many deaf, legs to the crippled, speech to the mute and health to countless sick ones, convert us so that the faults which are the death of the soul may be removed from our hearts and that we may hear the divine aspirations and walk with fervor to fulfill the Divine Will and utterhis holy name.

Heal the sick, quiet the river, hold back the wrath of the Lord, redeem the imprisoned, misery, recover lost goods and limbs, and give health to the elderly and drive away danger. Saint Gonçalo, I have confidence in your intercession. Ask for me with the Lord so that I may obtain the grace and still obtain for me the special grace of the salvation of my soul. All for the greater glory of God. Amen!"

Prayer of Saint Gonçalo to get married

"São Gonçalo do Amarante, Matchmaker that you are, First couples me; The others couples afterwards.

St. Gonçalo help me, on my knees I beg you, Make me marry soon, To the one I adore."

Novena of Saint Gonçalo

Pray the prayer below for nine days, ending with 3 Hail Marys and 1 Our Father.

"O glorious patriarch Saint Goncalo, who always showed yourself compassionate to the needy, grant that we too, by having recourse to your powerful intercession, may obtain help in all our afflictions.

May peace and tranquility reign in families; may all misfortunes, both corporal and spiritual, be removed from us, especially the evil of sin. Obtain from the lord the grace (make the request) that we beg of you; finally, we ask you that at the end of our earthly life we may go to praise god with you in paradise."

São Gonçalo is the protector of what?

Saint Gonçalo is not considered the protector of just one specific thing, but of several. He is the protector of the bones, of the guitar players, and also a great matchmaker saint. Some of the stories that involve these protections that led him to be patron saint of all this are even funny, but filled with much faith and compassion.

Always very cheerful, Saint Gonçalo always liked a good singing, and loved to accompany the "rodas de viola" (guitars). As he also played, he used his gift to convert and take the word of God to the people.

Always very worried about the girls who got lost and got carried away by the worldly life, Saint Gonçalo used to make a point of playing for whole nights, even if he was already tired, just so that the girls could finish dancing so much, so that, in the next day, they could rest and not go after the sins of life.

This may seem silly to many, but this was one of the ways he found to evangelize those who were often far from the church. Many of these girls at the end of the songs came to him for advice, and Saint Gonçalo knew how to bring a word of consolation to the afflicted hearts.

The fact is that his gift and passion for music, made him also be considered the patron saint of guitar players, and with this, he gained the affection of this class. His fame as a matchmaker, made many women beg him for the dreamed marriage.

Whether you are a guitar player, a person with bone disease, or even someone desperate to finally find your soul mate and get married, if you are in need of help, turn to this dear saint, for he will surely take your request to the father, with great affection.