My dear Brethren, dear friends,
The times we live in today are deeply battered by the most dangerous ideological aggressions, by every kind of manipulation and populism, which seriously call into question the most basic foundations of democracy, of freedom, of peace and of social harmony. They promote hatred, selfishness, intolerance and systemic ignorance, confusing citizens ever more, especially the young, and thereby affecting the whole of Humanity in the most primary and cruel way.
By their philosophical genesis, their spirit of solidarity and their historical responsibility, Masons are the people who can and must make the greatest difference in this terrible context of intolerance and radicalism in which the world now finds itself. And that is also why it is so important that we stand firmly united, on the side of truth, love and wisdom, seeking to illuminate our spirit with ideas as clear and clean as the purest, most crystalline water. Without hesitation, ambiguity or betrayal of the most elementary moral, ethical and philosophical principles. The very ones we swore on our honour to embrace, defend and uphold uncompromisingly.
We need to be ever more coherent and effective in the proposal we profess to the world, in the value we place on our cultural and spiritual mission, and in the way we positively influence society and every other Human Being.
And that is why it is also essential that we grow, in the number and in the quality of our Brethren, becoming ever more and ever better in everything we do. Day after day, at home, at school, in the streets, at work, in life. From the intimacy of the Lodges out into the profane world, a true army of light, of peace and of hope, in the service of Humanity.
For a Mason, the work on the stone of conscience and of his inner temple will never be finished. And however many we may be today, we shall always be too few for the hard and herculean work that stands before us. The times demand it.
For true Masons, for the new Portuguese Regular Freemasonry, for our Obedience, which is Soberana, there remain principles and values that are universal, timeless and absolutely non-negotiable.
Always and forever, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
And may the Great Architect of the Universe help us.
Fernando José Pereira
Grand Master of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Portugal
