The notary at the bedside of the testator ricardo seabra This is a rare example of a particular devotion to a saint made explicit, and the direct relationship between the bequest of goods to and burial in the same monastery. The monasteries of São Francisco and São Domingos predominate in terms of chapels and burials. They were given a special role in interceding for the dead, particularly in urban centres, due to their mission as preachers of the word of God, and the practice of confession and education of young people placed them close to believers, making their influence felt in the most diverse social classes. As regards the distribution of patrimony, the testator seems to have been driven by a dual will, since on the one hand he sought to ensure an eternal life for his soul in Paradise by ridding himself of his material ties, on the other hand he wished to perpetuate his presence on earth; to quote Hermínia Vilar and Maria João Silva, “In defining the future of his estate, the testator seemed to be defining the future of his patrimony; the testator seemed to want to retain it, while at the same time through bequests made for religious ceremonies, he sought to eternalise in this world the memory of his passing and ensure a place for his soul in the afterlife”.32 The distribution of assets was mainly to the family, religious institutions, friends, and the poor. Teresa Eanes assigned the monastery of São Domingos as heir to all her assets, disinheriting João Álvares Pereira, a knight, because he was ungrateful, did not keep his promises, and did not take care of her, leaving her to die helpless.33 To write the will, Rui Gonçalves, notary public in the city of Porto, had to travel to Teresa Eanes’ house, near the bridge of São Domingos. and how she had a great devotion to the Blessed St Dominic, wanting to take him for the cure and health of her soul and of those to whom she was devoted”. ADP, São Domingos, Livro dos pergaminhos, perg. 76. 32 Vilar e Silva 1992, p. 41; my translation. 33 ADP, São Domingos, Pergaminhos originais dos títulos do convento, caixa 775, perg. 83. 525
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYyNDk=