UPF-Portugal Contributes to “Path to Peace” in Fatima

Fatima, Portugal – The event "Path to Peace" was held at the José Saraiva Auditorium in Fátima on May 29, 2026, organized by the Order of the Christian Templar Knights and the International Templar Confederation (OCTC-CTI) in partnership with UPF-Portugal.

The event brought together representatives of different religious traditions; humanitarian, cultural and social organizations; spiritual leaders; and members of national and international Templar orders, including the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTJ) represented by Grand Prior Dom Nuno Henriques Barroso, and the Order of the Knights of Monsanto, whose Grand Master Dom João Pela was represented by the Priors Ricardo Antero dos Santos, Grand Prior of Almada, and Tito Sobral Chane, Grand Prior of Albufeira. The gathering took place in an atmosphere of dialogue, fraternity and commitment to the building of peace.

UPF-Portugal was represented by 12 members of its team and nine peace ambassadors; The event included the appointment of eight new UPF peace ambassadors.

Before the official session, a Templar march took place to a nearby chapel, where a Catholic Mass was celebrated, followed by an Order Ceremony featuring the solemn entrance of the International Grand Prior, Massimo Maria Civale, and the reception of new novices into the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ. UPF-Portugal Vice President Mr. Moreno Berto and Peace Ambassador Eng. Danilo Salvaterra participated in the ordination ceremony as newly invested Knights of Christ.

The session at the auditorium began with a performance by the choir "Os Águas Puras", followed by the official opening conducted by master of ceremonies Dr. Paula Berto. In the opening address, Grand Prior Massimo Maria Civale highlighted the objectives of the gathering and emphasized the importance of cooperation among cultures and religions in promoting a culture of peace.

The president of UPF-Portugal, Dr. Sérgio Vieira, focused his message on the urgent need to promote peace in a context of global conflicts and growing uncertainty. He underscored the importance of family values, interfaith dialogue, and the principles of Interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universally shared values.

One of the most significant moments of the event was the appointment ceremony of the new UPF peace ambassadors, honoring individuals for their contributions in the religious, social and humanitarian fields. Among those appointed were Priors Ricardo Antero dos Santos and Tito Sobral Chane; Dr. Anastas Terzobaliev, a Bulgarian specialist in international relations and peace ciplomacy, as well as Templar representatives from several European countries. The ceremony highlighted the role of peace ambassadors as promoters of understanding among peoples, cultures and religions.

This was followed by the presentation of the International Dove of Peace Award, dedicated to the legacy of Pope Francis, honoring individuals recognized for their commitment to peaceful coexistence, dialogue and humanitarian action. Among the awardees were Prophet Pedro Garcia, Pastor Paula Salvado Garcia, Professor Shiv Kumar Singh, and Professor Delmar Gonçalves, who was also honored for his presence at this important gathering.

The closing ceremony featured the Water Ceremony, a symbol of life, purification and unity among peoples and different religious traditions. Representatives of the various faith communities present participated, including Pastor Paula Berto of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU); Dr. Teresa Prim, representing Brahma Kumaris Portugal; Dr. Hiral Shah, representing the Hindu Community; Prophet Pedro Garcia of the Novo Oásis Evangelical Church; and members of several Templar orders. Together, they poured water into a common bowl and prayed side by side, reflecting on the challenges facing humanity and the need to strengthen cooperation among faith communities. This symbolic act conveyed a powerful message of mutual respect, diversity and cooperation to all attendees.

The event concluded with words of appreciation from the organizing entities and a final musical performance. In summary, the Path to Peace gathering represented a meaningful demonstration of interfaith dialogue, fraternity and a shared commitment to the values of peace, solidarity and human dignity, reinforcing the importance of cooperation among cultures and religions in building a more harmonious world.

By Sérgio Vieira, President, UPF-Portugal May 29, 2026