“Back to the roots” was the theme of the “À noite na cidade” 9th edition, which joined about 900 participants.

It’s a different type of prayer, which has been repeated over the years, and characterized by innovation and intensity. In the beginning of July, almost 900 participants gathered in the downtown area of Lisbon, to participate in the “À noite na cidade” 9th edition, organized by Círculo Vieira and the Centro Universitário Padre António Vieira (CUPAV).

“À noite na cidade” programme started at the Lisbon Cathedral. Those who participated, as they entered,  found the interior completely empty and low lightened. Unexpectedly, a loud background noise started: sounds of traffic, voices, in short, the noises of daily life and metropolitan life, which were suddenly interrupted by a silence of 30 seconds.

The main objective was to create a rupture in everyday life, full of agitation; making people allow themselves to be "led and surprised", to refocus their hearts on God: the root that illuminates life. As Fr. João Goulão sj, explained motivation and predisposition would be essential to get back to the root. "Back" connotes a journey, a path, a return. Path that goes beyond all circumstances, all the apparent "successes" or "failures," added the director of CUPAV. "Root" is what cannot be seen, which is hidden; it is the origin, the foundation; what is fixed and seeks food. "Going back to the roots' is the journey of one who is ready to begin again with a renewed look at all things. A deeper and far-reaching looking". The choice of the place also had meaning: the temple is also a space for rediscovering God.

Beatriz Lisboa, one of the volunteers, emphasized the "conviction of people", an attitude of total surrender, and the "sense of belonging" that everyone felt. After a moment dedicated to prayer, the "Ceremony of Light" took place, in which the light of the paschal candle was transmitted by the candles that each one of the participants had.

At the end, all went to St. George's Castle for the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. João Goulão, sj, Fr. Francisco Rodrigues, sj and Fr. José Frazão Correia, sj, provincial of the Jesuits.

Madalena Fontes, who belongs to the team that organized the event, confessed that she was impressed by the "number of volunteers, all very available and enthusiastic", who helped in the activity, highlighting also the positive reactions she received.

The 9th edition of "À noite na cidade" was closed with a toast to the city of Lisbon, with a duet of a cello and saxophone.