LISBON – “The Orders of Saints Maurice and Lazarus in Portugal and Brazil” is an extremely detailed and exhaustive study that, with more than 600 references with related photographs, traces the history of the Religious and Military Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (OSSML), especially focusing on Portugal and Brazil.
This book, which was presented in Lisbon, is the outcome of extensive research conducted by the author, Dr. Paulo Gabriel Falcão Silva Tavares, Officer of the OSSML and its Delegate for Portugal. The acknowledgment awarded by the Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy has greatly honoured the author and the delegation of Orders in Portugal.
The book comprises two main sections. The first part presents the timeline of international events that involved the Order from its foundation in the 11th century right up to the present day. The current and reformed Articles of Constitution of the Order are also published. Finally, all the rules of heraldry on the use of decorations are explained in detail with illustrations. This first section closes with a list of Grand Masters of the Order and of some Saints, Blessed and Venerable figures from the House of Savoy.
As mentioned, the second section of the book presents the insightful biographies of more than 600 members (chaplains, lords and knights) who served the Order over the centuries in Portugal and Brazil. Several biographies are also enhanced by photographs that further witness the intensive work required to complete this book. These narratives of biographical events concern members of the Order from various countries, including Portugal, Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain, Chile, Argentina, India, Africa and areas of China that were colonised by the Portuguese.
This book is important because it is the first to historically document the influence of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus over a period of many centuries. Moreover, historical events are reconstructed with several interesting episodes, many of which have never been told before.
The research carried out for this book has led to many military and religious curriculum vitae being finally completed with the decoration of Knight of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The Order’s story is still unfolding with about 4,000 members today, including Knights and Dames in various countries of the world.
Further images at: Portuguese Delegation
