Lemos (Dom Jorge de)

Before the diocese was established, Bishop João Lobo (see that entry) visited this island in 1508. After the bishopric was created, the prelates Dom Duarte, in 1516, and Dom Ambrósio, in 1538 (see those entries), came to Madeira. They performed the episcopal duties here in place of the titular bishops, Dom Diogo Pinheiro and Martinho de Portugal, who never visited the lands under their jurisdiction; nor did the third bishop, Dom Friar Gaspar do Casal. The fourth prelate, Dom Friar Jorge de Lemos, was the first to take personal charge of the episcopal government of this bishopric. He administered it from 1558 to 1569, although he resided on this island for only five years.

He came of noble families and was the son of Francisco Velho and Dona Brites de Lemos. He took his vows in the Convent of São Domingos (St Dominic), Lisbon, and among the offices he held in his order was that of professor of theology. Already advanced in years, he was confirmed as Bishop of Funchal on 9 March 1556 by Pope Paul IV, and took possession of the office in 1558. Five years later he left for the Kingdom (reino, i.e. mainland Portugal), and in 1569 he resigned the mitre. He died a short time afterwards and was buried in the church of the convent where he had taken his vows.

As the first diocesan prelate to come to this bishopric in person, he was received with special marks of regard and esteem by the clergy and by all the people of this island. More than 130 years had passed since colonisation began. Despite the special powers enjoyed by the delegate of the Vicar of Tomar (vigário de Tomar, head of the Order of Christ’s spiritual jurisdiction overseas), and even though a Franciscan religious community of strict observance already existed in Funchal, it is certain that some abuses had crept into ecclesiastical doctrine and into the observance of the various canon laws. Because the prelate had to correct these abuses and reform old and deep-rooted customs, he naturally incurred the displeasure of many. Serious difficulties and frictions resulted, which he nevertheless managed to smooth over through his spirit of justice and the irreproachable conduct of his actions. ‘He was’, says Dom António Caetano de Sousa, ‘of a harsh disposition, which he always tempered with prudence; magnificent in his manner of living and a great rewarder of the deserving.’

He paid particular attention to the service of the Cathedral (Sé Catedral), requesting and obtaining the creation of several new posts, such as those of succentor, chapel master and choirboys, an increase in the salaries of the canons and dignitaries, the reform of the music and the creation of curacies, which relieved the dean of the burden of parish duties. In his time the single parish (freguesia) that existed in Funchal was divided into two parishes, with their seats in the Cathedral and in Santa Maria Maior (‘St Mary Major’). Shortly afterwards he petitioned for the creation of the parish of São Pedro (‘St Peter’), which did not last long: it was abolished in 1579 and restored again in 1587. He also worked for the creation of the diocesan seminary (Seminário), which was established in this city only some years later (see seminary).

In 1563 Dom Jorge de Lemos left for mainland Portugal, where he held the office of Chief Almoner (esmoler-mor) to King Sebastian. On 15 November 1569 the Pope accepted Dom Jorge’s resignation of this bishopric and appointed Dom Fernando de Távora, a friar of the Order of Preachers, to succeed him.