Braga is one of the oldest Portuguese cities and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world; founded during the roman era as Bracara Augusta, it has more than 2000 years of History as a City.
In the course of the centuries some legends, tales and myths were born.
Saint Longinus’s Legend
There is a curious tradition in Braga, during Saint John’s Festivities, involving the statue of Saint Longinus and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. During the festivities, some flirtatious girls walk around the granite statue saying prayers with the purpose of speeding up their marriage. According to an ancient legend, a rich farmer named Longinus lived in the city’s surroundings, near Bom Jesus. Single and quiet, he had a good reputation in the community. Single girls were not indifferent to him, bcause they saw him as good catch, although none of them in particular turned his head.
One day, Longinus fell in love with a girl named Rosinha, and realized it was time to share his wealth. To that effect, he investigated her father was looked for him. He told him who he was and what were his intentions, asking his permission to marry her. Meanwhile, her father proved to be a tough negotiator and only gave in when Longinus promised him a pension.
Pedro, Rosinha’s father, called her and told her that Longinus had asked him to marry her and, as her father, he had said yes. The girl was livid, because she loved another boy named Arthur and, in front of Bom Jesus’ altar, she had already promised to marry him. The old father was afraid of losing the deal, so he made such a turmoil that her scared daughter finally gave in and said she would marry Longinus. She left her father and went to her room trembling and, in tears, she started praying to Saint John. Then, suddenly, she heard a voice inside herself advising her to stay calm, that everything would be alright.
This was Saint John’s voice, going then straight to Longinus, who was also meditating. Addressing the farmer, Saint John claimed that if Longinus was truly his friend, he wouldn’t be capable of destroying the happiness of the young couple that was truly in love. He further told Longinus that going straight to her father tempting him with money was a disastrous way to handle the issue.
Longinus soaked it in and understood that if the girl loved another boy and he loved her back, he had no right to ruin the happiness of both youngsters. He said it to the saint, who became very pleased, and added:
"- If you allow me, Saint John, I will be the best man to their wedding! I know they need a good start in their lives and I will assure they’ll have it. As for my love, I will entertain it until it fades away”!
The saint ran to tell the girl, so she could start the arrangements for her wedding with Arthur, as he had provided a good best man for them. Old Pedro was the one who lost the most, but he comforted himself as he could.
