- Time Period: World War I
- Institution: 6 February 1818
- Country: Portugal
The Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (or Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa in Portuguese), also known as the Order of Our Lady of Conception of Vila Viçosa, is a dynastic order of knighthood of the House of Braganza, the former Portuguese Royal Family.
The Order was established by King John VI of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro on 6 February 1818, the day of his acclamation, to honor those who protected the spiritual sovereignty of the Kingdom. The Blessed Virgin Mother, under the title of the Immaculate Conception and venerated in the Ducal Chapel of the Palace of Vila Viçosa, had been proclaimed “Queen” and Patroness of Portugal by King John IV in 1646. Following a six-year referendum, the people confirmed their belief in her Immaculate Conception and her role as the reigning Queen of Portugal. This led to the Kings of Portugal no longer wearing a crown.
The Order honored individuals who demonstrated loyalty to the Portuguese Royal House during the war against Bonapartist forces. Initially, it was awarded in four classes: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight, and Servant, with limitations on the number of recipients. Grand Crosses were typically awarded to high-ranking nobles, while lower grades were given to lesser nobles who had provided personal service to the King.
The current Grand Master of the Order is Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, Head of the House of Braganza.
The Order 's Organization
Primarily bestowed upon Portuguese nobles, the Order is occasionally given to Heads of State and Royal Houses. It has also been awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to the expansion of the Cult of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Message of Our Lady of Fátima, or the Roman Catholic Church. However, these recipients are not listed as active members of the Portuguese order and do not participate in its functions.
The Order is unofficially acknowledged by the Portuguese government and may be worn by Portuguese citizens, though not on military uniforms.
It is divided into four grades:
- Grand Cross (GCNSC)
- Commander (ComNSC)
- Knight/Dame (CvNSC/DmNSC)
- Serving Brother or Sister (SNSC)
The Order 's Design
Designed by French painter Jean-Baptiste Debret, the insignia includes a star-shaped and crowned medallion with the monogram “AM” at its center. Surrounding the monogram is the inscription “Padroeira do Reino” (“Patroness of the Kingdom”).
The sash of the Order is light blue and white.
