
In tradition[1] Catholic, an orago is a saint dedicated to a locality, profession or institution, derived from the Latin[3] "oraculum" and reflecting the historical roots of Portuguese parishes. Patron refers to a protector, guardian or figure honoured in various contexts, from professional groups to ceremonies of graduation[2]. The concept of patron saints, exemplified by Our Lady of Guadalupe, extends sacred protection beyond religious spaces to entire regions, embodying cultural and religious significance. Legislation in Portugal has historically recognised these saints, highlighting their importance in administrative and spiritual life. Patron saints serve as symbolic guardians, providing guidance, inspiration and representing the values of the communities they represent, and are celebrated through religious ceremonies and devotional practices that underline their deep cultural and religious significance.
O patron, patron saint patron saint, or protectiveis a holy to whom a locality, a profession specific, association, animal (or animals in general) or temple (chapel, church etc.) according to the custom catholic.
In the legislation that establishes the symbology associated with parishes PortugueseIn the past, there have often been mentions of the patron saints of these parishes. This has two meanings: on the one hand, it has the religious significance of extend the "protection" of the saint beyond the church, to the whole parish; on the other hand, it is an archaism that reflects the ancient origins of parishes today.
Although today a parish is an institution of a political and administrative nature, exclusively subordinate to the civil authorities, its origins lie in parish Catholic, which was once the finest mesh of administration in Portugal.