Resumption of works in Esperança Convent churchyard - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Educação e dos Assuntos Culturais

The Regional Secretary for Education and Cultural Affairs, Sofia Ribeiro, stated that "the suspension of the works in Esperança Convent" in Ponta Delgada, which had been determined on March 15, will be lifted. 

According to the government official, an "inspection of the property" was carried out on March 20 by technicians from the Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs and the Ponta Delgada City Council in the presence of the architect who designed the rehabilitation project for the property and the Rector of the Holy Christ of Miracles Sanctuary, who represented the developer.

"In the course of this inspection, it was found that the works in progress in the churchyard included the adjustment of the slope for rainwater drainage and the subsequent replacement of the original paving stones," she explained.

Regarding the placement of the statue of Mother Teresa da Anunciada at the entrance of the Sanctuary, it was verified that the sculpture "does not disturb the interpretation and viewing of the classified property."

However, Sofia Ribeiro explained that the decorative elements around the statue, "such as the support for candles and flowers," should be "upgraded through a new proposal" to be assessed by the Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs.