The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Portugal expresses its concern and deepest dismay at the tragic wildfires that in recent days have ravaged our country and various regions of the world. In Portugal, the flames are destroying lives, homes and whole villages, the heritage of generations, and leaving countless families in a state of utterly indescribable fragility.
In this moment of pain and of utterly irreparable loss, we express our solidarity with all the victims, their families and the communities affected. We also share our profound gratitude to all those who, with courage and selflessness, fight this scourge daily — firefighters, security forces, health professionals, local officials, volunteers and so many anonymous citizens who rise to help their neighbour.
We therefore call on all Masons — of Soberana and of other Obediences — to contribute, discreetly and wholeheartedly, as is our custom and according to each one’s means, to supporting the fight against the fires and easing the suffering of those most in need today. Whether alongside local authorities, through the donation of essential goods, food, water or medicines, or by providing care, shelter or any other form of help. Every gesture and every human intervention counts; each of us can make a difference.
Since its foundation, the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Portugal has always sought to honour one of the greatest historical commitments of Freemasonry: to be genuinely with people, beside people, beside families, the country and society at large, at the moments when love, solidarity and consequential fraternal action are most called for. Let us be, once again, through our individual and collective action, the living example of the noble values we profess and which, for all of us Masons, are absolutely beyond question.
May our Light, in these dramatic and sombre hours, illuminate the path of those who now find themselves in the immense darkness of loss. Any help, however modest it may seem, will always be received with gratitude by those who most need it.
To work, my dear brethren — the hour is now!
Lisbon, 15 August 2025
The Grand Master,
Fernando José Pereira