As cartas pastorais de D. Francisco de Lemos de Faria Pereira Coutinho: Bispo de Coimbra

Abstract

D. Francisco de Lemos de Faria Pereira Coutinho, who was Reformer-Rector of the University of Coimbra between 1770-79 and 1799-1821 (having been the driving force behind the Pombaline Reform of the University in 1772), was also the assistant Bishop of Coimbra from 1768 to 1779 and incumbent Bishop from 1779 to 1821. His pastoral concerns can be clearly seen in his letters, written during that period. The practice of Christian living is a constant subject of those letters, as are the pastoral visits, the clergy and Divine worship. He occasionally quotes the Council of Trent and such established authorities as Friar Luis of Granada. In a letter dated 26th April 1782, he takes up the subject of the knowledge of Christian doctrine, already dealt with by D. Miguel da Anunciação in another pastoral document.