WELCOME TO THE
PORTUGUESE HOLY GHOST SOCIETY
OF STONINGTON

THE HOLY GHOST SOCIETY IS COMMON IN PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENTS THROUGH THE WORLD AND IN ADDITION TO FILLING A SOCIAL NEED, HAS RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE. EVERY YEAR, MEMBERS COMMEMORATE THE 16TH CENTURY FEEDING OF THE FAMINE STRICKEN PORTUGUESE PEOPLE BY QUEEN ISABELLA. THE RELIGIOUS QUEEN PRAYED TO THE HOLY GHOST FOR RELIEF FROM THE FLOODS WHICH HAD INUNDATED THE LAND. THE RAINS STOPPED AND THE WATERS RECEDED, BUT THE LAND WAS BARREN. QUEEN ISABELLA THEN SOLD HER CROWN JEWELS TO BUY FOOD FOR HER PEOPLE. EACH YEAR THE PEOPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST SOCIETY BEAR A SYMBOLIC CROWN TO ST. MARY'S CHURCH RECALLING THE GENEROUS ACT OF THE QUEEN AND OFFERING PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST.

TODAY THE HOLY GHOST SOCIETY OF STONINGTON OWNS IT'S OWN CLUB BUILDING AT 26 MAIN ST IN THE BOROUGH OF STONINGTON, CT AND CONTINUES TO SERVE THE DESCENDANTS OF THOSE WHO ORGANIZED IT OVER 97 YEARS AGO.

THE ABOVE PAINTING OF PHGS BUILDING DONE BY SUSAN NOYES.

PAINTING IS ON DISPLAY AT PHGS.

PRINTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.
IF INTERESTED, USE "CONTACT US" TAB AT UPPER LEFT

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF PHGS, STOP IN AT THE CLUB OR CALL 860-535-3855

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