Tradition
To preserve the identity of the Rite and the continuity of the transmission received, without reducing it to a merely historical reference.
Grand Lodge of Portugal
The Grand Lodge
A Masonic body dedicated to the preservation, practice and transmission of the Early Grand Scottish Rite, in respect for the tradition received and the initiatic nature of Masonic work.
Nature
Identity
The Grand Lodge of Portugal brings together and oversees the work of Lodges regularly constituted according to its principles, rules and Masonic usages.
Its institutional purpose does not rest on public exposure, but on creating the conditions required for initiatic work, preservation of the Rite and its transmission.
Journey
A continuity that predates the present institution
The Grand Lodge of Portugal does not mark the beginning of the Early Grand Scottish Rite in Portugal. Its present form is part of a journey extending over more than a decade and of a ritual filiation received from France.
2012
Beginning of the organised presence of the Rite in Portugal
The first regularly constituted work of the Early Grand Scottish Rite in Portugal dates to 2012, following transmission received from the French tradition of the Rite.
Transmission
Letters Patent and ritual continuity
During that journey, the Portuguese structures received Letters Patent of the Rite issued by French Masonic bodies within the institutional filiation of the Early Grand Scottish Rite reorganised by Robert Ambelain. New Letters Patent were issued in 2015, accompanied by the corresponding ceremonies of consecration.
Today
Grand Lodge of Portugal
The present Grand Lodge assumes that heritage and the responsibility to preserve, practise and transmit the tradition received, continuing the work carried out in Portugal since 2012.
Continuity
The present institutional form is recent; the ritual transmission and work that preceded it are not.
Orientation
Principles
Initiatic work
To recognise symbolism and work in Lodge as instruments of moral, intellectual and spiritual improvement.
Discretion
To respect the reserve proper to the work and the private lives of members, without turning Freemasonry into an exercise in public exposure.
Public presence
A deliberate choice
The Grand Lodge of Portugal maintains a public presence limited to what it considers necessary to affirm its institutional existence, present its principles and provide a legitimate means of contact.
It does not publicly expose the identity of its members or the internal life of its Lodges. Some papers and reflections may, by decision of their authors and in respect for Masonic reserve, be made publicly available. Discretion is understood as part of Masonic culture and as a means of protecting each member's individual freedom.