The Light of Dawn

An episode, later witnessed in writing, demonstrating the Masonic infiltration in the Monarchy of the North, and its sympathies for the Republic of the South.

D. Cesário Palhares, Bishop of Porto, was in the library of the Episcopal Palace when his personal secretary, Deacon Antunes, announced the arrival of Father Elísio Marques. As soon as the visitor was ushered into the library, the bishop gave him the ring to kiss and asked:

“So, Father, what news do you have?”

“I bring some, Your Excellency, and it’s not good.”

“I’m all ears.”

“I discovered a Masonic network in the Seminary, with obvious sympathies for the Republic. The King’s enemies are infiltrated everywhere. I have all the details in this report.”

Father Elísio handed the bishop several sheets of paper.

“Thank you, Father. Does anyone else know about this?”

“No one, Your Excellency. I followed your instructions to the letter.”

“I will read it carefully. In the meantime, I urge you to consider all the knowledge obtained as a secret of confession.”

“So it shall be, Your Excellency.”

“Antunes, take Father Elísio to the rooms assigned to him”, he instructed the deacon, before blessing the priest. “The Lord be with you, Father.”

“And with you, Your Excellency.”

The look exchanged between the bishop and the secretary went unnoticed by Father Elísio. Antunes escorted the priest out, while the bishop sat down and began to read the report. He had just finished when the deacon returned.

“It’s done, Your Excellency. He’s lodged in a cell, underground in the Palace.”

“He must be held there, incommunicado. And the Seminary’s security needs to be reinforced.”

The secretary nodded, before leaving.

The bishop walked over to the fireplace and threw the report into the flames. Cesário Palhares then went to his chambers. He had to change his clothes for the ritual mask needed for the meeting that was to take place in an hour’s time.

It wouldn’t be convenient if it became known that the Bishop of Porto was the Grand Master of The Light of Dawn shop.