Last Thursday, the 20th, Templo Portugal hosted a conference that will stay in the memory of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Portugal and of the High Degrees of the Portuguese Rite. The presence of Prof. DeRose, founder of the DeRose Method and an international reference in behavioural re-education and inner discipline, drew a full house of Masons and non-Masons alike, in a spirit of openness and community.
The gathering took on a special dimension by also including the live recording of an episode of the podcast “Quinto Império”, a project of the Supreme Council of the High Degrees of the Portuguese Rite. The conversation was led by João Pestana Dias e Fernando Correia, both Past Grand Masters of Soberana, who guided the dialogue with their recognised experience, depth and serenity.
Throughout the session, the professor shared reflections that spoke directly to those present. He talked about the importance of practice as the true force of transformation, stressing that knowledge only comes alive when it translates into concrete action. He also highlighted the role of civility, of elegance in human dealings and of conscious presence in everyday relationships.
Another point that marked the evening was his treatment of the egregore — the collective force that forms when a group gathers with purpose, intention and harmony. The professor explained how this energy does not merely add individual efforts together but multiplies them, creating a field of force capable of elevating all who take part in it. The very atmosphere at Templo Portugal was an example of precisely that.
There was also room to highlight the importance of breathing, of self-observation and of behavioural re-education as practical paths to human improvement. Those present could hear, from the author’s own voice, the fruit of 81 years of experience, study and a life devoted to the development of human consciousness.
The strong turnout and the quality of the conversation made for a special evening, one that reinforces the commitment of the High Degrees and of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Portugal to promoting knowledge, ethics and the elevation of the human spirit. The positive energy of the gathering lingered long after it closed, echoing through the corridors of the Temple and in the experience of everyone who took part.
The organisers thank all those whose presence contributed to such a significant moment, and invite everyone to revisit and share this experience.
