“The degradation of the buildings happened abruptly, at the same time, from the fateful dawn of January 28th”, he remembered
As a result, throughout the diocese there is ruined heritagea situation worsened “by successive depressions which then accelerated the process of degradation of buildings”.
In those that had spiers or bonfires, the elements “fell on the roofs and even destroyed the ceilings of the churches”, he said.
“The stone balustrades and other ornamental elements were also affected. From the bell towers to the doors and windows – some with artistic elements – of the temples there is very deep damage”, detailed.
Even with the difficulty of “lack of communications and obstruction of roads”, in the territory the priority was to relocate coverings and safeguard movable assets, “such as devotional images, for example”.
No area of the diocese escaped, the destruction spreading to churches in the municipalities of Leiria, Marinha Grande, Batalha, Porto de Mós, Ourém, Pombal, Alcanena and Alcobaça.
The survey carried out indicates that “around half of the assets were seriously affected”, situation already communicated to the public institute Cultural Heritage and the municipalities of Ourém and Leiria.
There are several more worrying cases, starting with the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Incarnação, which stands out in the landscape of Leiria.
“It has become the icon of every storm, but there are multiple buildings with serious damage, some listed as heritage sites, such as the [Sé] cathedral, which is a national monument”.
There is damage to heritage sites that are not listed, but “which show different types of aesthetic care, as happens with the Sanctuary of Miracles or the parishes of Santa Eufémia or Vermoil”.
In the various affected churches, communities continue to “celebrate their faith”, in “places other than the usual ones”, such as churches that have been preserved and others that allow “the celebration of the liturgy with dignity”.
With recovery in mind, a campaign is being run by the Aid to the Church in Need Foundation.
“The Diocese of Leiria-Fátima received this initiative with great emotion, as this Foundation, normally dedicated to helping geographical latitudes linked to situations of religious persecution, noticed the difficulties of the populations in the central zone of the country”, stated Marco Daniel Duarte.
But, “Without a commitment from the State, it will not be possible to return this heritage to the community”.
The process has been monitored by the president of Cultural Heritage, João Soalheiro, but there is “the greatest fear” that priority will only be given to listed heritage, “neglecting the heritage that, effectively, is found in the daily coexistence of populations”:
This heritage, “which your ancestors built, screams for help”and constitutes, in many places, “the only notable buildings”.
“Along with a cross, a fountain or some little souls, these are the parish churches”, he explained.
Marco Daniel Duarte fears that “this time there will not be the courage to channel funds to help the heritage of those furthest away from the artistic circles that the history of elite art studies”.
“I have no doubts: The way we treat this heritage will mirror the idea we have of those who live there.”he concluded.
Sixteen people died in Portugal following the passage of depressions Kristin, Leonardo and Marta, which also caused many hundreds of injuries and displacement.
The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the cut of energy, water and communications, floods and floods are the main material consequences of the storm.
The Centro, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo and Alentejo regions are the most affected.
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