The Parish of Tavira and the Pastoral Sector for Tourism of the Diocese of Algarve have just announced, for the second consecutive year, a program of Holy Week celebrations held entirely in English, taking place at the emblematic Church of Santiago.
More than a religious event, this initiative stands as a manifesto of social and cultural welcome, designed to unite foreign residents, tourists, and the growing wave of immigrants from countries as diverse as India and Poland.
Father Miguel Lopes Neto, diocesan head of the Pastoral for Tourism and Director of Pastoral for Tourism – Portugal (an organization of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference), emphasizes the urgency and social depth of this project:
"This initiative is part of the Catholic Church's pastoral commitment in the Algarve to welcome and integrate the various linguistic communities present in the region, providing them with the opportunity to celebrate their faith in their own language. But it goes far beyond that: it is vital work for the integration of immigrant communities. It is an active effort to facilitate integration and break down the ignorance and prejudice that still exist about and among immigrants."
In a region where demographics have been changing at an accelerated pace, the Algarve Church positions itself at the forefront of social cohesion, using the English language not as an exclusive language for tourists, but as the true "lingua franca" that breaks down walls, unites nations, and builds bridges of fraternity.
Holy Week Program in English (Church of Santiago, Tavira - 2026):
March 27th (Friday): 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Confessions
March 29th (Palm Sunday): 10:15 AM – Palm Sunday Mass, beginning with the blessing of palms at the church door
April 2nd (Holy Thursday): 6:00 PM – Mass of the Lord's Supper
April 3rd (Good Friday): 5:00 PM – Celebration of the Lord's Passion
April 5th (Easter Sunday): 10:15 AM – Resurrection Mass
The Parish of Tavira extends an open invitation to all media outlets, faithful, long-term residents, new immigrants, and visitors to join this historic moment. At the Church of Santiago, no one will be a stranger.
Information on the English-speaking community at the parish is available at https://englishcommunitytavira.org
