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Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)

 

About Funchal:

A popular destination and cruise port, the city of Funchal on the island of Madeira is a Portugese territory. Located north of the Canary Islands, it is the farthermost point of the European Union. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, so you will find many Catholic churches on the island.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Funchal:

This is the mother Church for the island. For the official website of the Diocese of Funchal and Mass times click here.

The Jesuit Church of Saint John the Evangelist:

The Church dates from the 17th Century and has some remarkable gilded wood works in its interior. Guided tours are available, you can phone ahead at +351 291 70 50 60, or contact them by email at colegio@aauma.pt.

Capela de Penha da França Church:

The only English-language Masses are held at Capela de Penha da França church at 10.00 am every Sunday.  Click here for the official website of Capela da Penha da França Church.

Church of Our Lady of Monte:

This church contains the tomb of  Blessed Karl of Austria (last emperor of Austria).  His story is not well known, which is a shame since it is a truly inspirational one. He was known for putting his Christian faith first in making political decisions, and for his role as a peacemaker during World War I.

His brief rule was characterized by Roman Catholic social teaching, and he created a social and legal framework that in part still survives today.  Together with his wife, Zeta, they embodied what it meant to be a Catholic Christian ruler.

Children of Bl Karl of AustriaHe and his wife were exiled here in 1921 (the children joined them in 1922), but shortly thereafter he caught a cold that led to pneumonia and died.

Although his body is here, his heart is enthroned with the heart of his beloved wife Zeta in the Abbey of Muri, Switzerland

In 2022 a shrine to Blessed Karl was established in the U.S.A. in the town of New Prague, Minnesota.

We celebrate the Feast of Blessed Emperor Karl of Austria on October 21.

 

Traveling to Madeira:

As noted, the island of Madeira is a popular vacation destination and the main city of Funchal hosts many cruise ships who stop here. There is also an airport on the island hosting airlines from several countries. Flights from Lisbon take a little less than 2 hours.

Click here to find hotels and restaurants in Funchal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

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