The Confraria do Bom Jesus do Monte marks the World Tree Day, through the symbolic action of planting 100 trees of native species. 50 oaks, 20 strawberry trees, 15 cork oaks and 15 holly were planted. The planting of native species took place in gaps created by weed control such as mimosas and australia.

This action is part of the protocol “Caring, Protecting and Valuing the Crown of Braga”, signed in September last year between the Confraternities and Brotherhoods of the Crown of Braga (The Confraternity of Bom Jesus do Monte, the Confraternity of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro , the Economic Council of Esporões and the Irmandade de Santa Maria Madalena do Monte), who “undertake a collaboration to promote an effective ecological conversion and suggest concrete action paths with a view to an integral ecology, for our Archdiocese, through this protocol of cooperation.”

We remind you that the protocol results from the Laudato Si Action Platform, where Pope Francis, concerned with the urgent need to take care of the Common Home, invites us to an “ecological conversion.”

This activity is part of point 1 of the protocol, “To respond to the Earth’s Cry, protect our common home for the good of all, equitably addressing the climate crisis, the loss of biodiversity and ecological sustainability”, where it is very evident the commitment to protect biodiversity, planting indigenous trees, choosing to plant native species in gardens and removing invasive species.

The Confraria do Bom Jesus do Monte thus complies with the provisions of the Laudato Si Platform, where it has been registered since September 2021.

The President of the Confraternity, Canon Mário Martins, says: “following the words of Pope Francis, we are committed to caring for, protecting and valuing natural resources. There are never too many trees and this Sanctuary is a living and real example of that. That’s why Bom Jesus is known as Braga’s lung. Its 26 hectares of forest and cultural landscape preserve a unique biodiversity and natural wealth, which we want to maintain and renew every year, always giving priority to our native species.” Canon Mário Martins also mentioned that “we must warn about the risks that our forest runs, namely infestation by invasive species (Australians, mimosas), mainly due to the lack of control and cleaning of the areas adjacent to our forest. It is never enough to remember the need for these cleanings, to minimize the risk of fires and improve the balance of ecosystems.” Canon Mário also states that “the Confraria do Bom Jesus will continue with a sustainable performance, a true strategic axis in the management of this resort. The environmental dimension of the Sanctuary is a priority, a great reference for sustainability that concerns and concerns us, a concern of the Church, but which must also be of the whole of society.”