Help us rebuild the retaining wall on one side of the churchyard of the Arroteia Chapel in the parish of Souto da Carpalhosa, to ensure the safety, preservation and dignity of this space of faith dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.
The small village of Arroteia, located in the parish of Souto da Carpalhosa, municipality of Leiria, has a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. This chapel is much more than a religious space; it is a meeting point, a place of faith and tradition for the entire local community.
For generations, this place has hosted celebrations, weddings, funerals, vows, and significant moments in the lives of many families, and is a living symbol of our collective identity. It is believed that the first hermitage built on the site where the chapel now stands dates back to the 14th century. During the French invasions, the chapel was partially destroyed, but it has been restored over the years thanks to the work and support of the local population, as well as the costs of its continued preservation.
Recently, one of the churchyard's retaining walls, measuring 41m in length and 2m in height, collapsed due to the various severe weather events that occurred this winter. The current situation represents a risk to all who frequent the space, especially during celebrations and events, and also a risk to the preservation of the foundations of one of the chapel's walls.
For these reasons, the reconstruction of this wall is urgent. It is not just a construction project, but also the protection of a space that belongs to the entire community, ensuring safety, preserving heritage, and keeping alive a tradition that spans generations.
The chapel committee was recently elected and does not have sufficient funds for the immediate reconstruction of the wall. The small local population also suffered significant damage to their homes and yards due to Storm Kristin, and therefore currently lacks the financial capacity to contribute to the wall's reconstruction. Thus, with your contribution, it will be possible to rebuild the wall and all churchyard structure more quickly and ensure the safety of worshippers and passersby on the adjacent road.
Every bit of help counts. Every contribution will go towards laying a stone in the new wall.
