Theotonius
Encyclopedia
Theotonius was an Augustinian canon
and royal advisor. He is noted and famed in Portugal
, for being the first Prior
of the Monastery of the Holy Cross
in Coimbra
, Portugal
. He was also the first Portuguese
saint
.
, Portugal
, in the district of Viana do Castelo in Portugal
. Theotonius was given a Greek name, which when translated means 'Godly'. Later when Theotonius entered adolescence
, he came to Coimbra
with his maternal uncle, Dom Cresconio, Bishop of Coimbra, who became his teacher at the Monastery of the Holy Cross
in Coimbra
. There under the direction of Tello, Archdeacon of Coimbra
, Theotonius learned the ecclesiastical practice of reading and chant. Later, after Bishop Cresconio died, he sought out the city of Viseu
, where he was welcomed in the Diocese of the Blessed Mary Ever Virgin
, which at that time was subject to the Diocese of Coimbra. At the parish, Theotonius was appointed to the position of doorkeeper of the church. In this position he would perform the sacrament of opening
for the catechumens. He would read the exorcism
over unclean spirits and, by the grace of God, he cast them out of obsessed bodies. All of this before his ordination as priest
. Shortly after Theotonius was ordained a subdeacon.
, he remained at Viseu
. He was then overcome by the entreaties of his parishioners, and above all by the order of Dom Gonsalves, Bishop of Coimbra, to whom belonged the Church of Viseu
, to assume the prior
ship of the same Church, though this was extremely contrary to his own will, as later came to be seen. In his new office, Theotonius enriched it with temporal goods such as books, vestments, bells
, crucifix
es and chalices, and also bibles. He so excelled in his position that Theotonius was asked a great many times by the Count Henry
and his spouse the Queen Teresa, the clergy and of the whole people, to assume the office of Bishop. He strictly observed and preached the church dogma and canon
, that a story is told that one day as he was preaching in the church of Viseu
, the Queen and Count Fernando - who at that time was her lover and not her legitimate husband - fled the church with shame.
, there he dwelt yet six weeks, for the wind was unfavourable. Once at sea the journey was fine until some days later, they were sailing by the Cape of Malea
, they all found themselves in a storm. The sailor
s turned to Theotonius, who was prostrate in prayer and weeping as well - due to fear- turned completely to God, and after having prayed psalms
and litanies, the sea calmed and all on board began to sing the Gloria in excelsis Deo
, because the God of mercy had rescued them. Three weeks after having from Bari
, the arrived at the Holy Land
at port of Joppa
. The group of pilgrims took a long and contemplative look of a route to Jerusalem. Starting by the tomb of St. George
, the martyr
, at Lydda
, and then to Nazareth
, where the Lord Savior was raised. From there they went to Tabor
, where the Lord was transfigured
. From there they travelled to Samaria
and saw the Tomb
of St. John the Baptist and of the twelve minor prophets, as well as that of Elisha
. Then, departing for the well
upon which the Lord had seated Himself, and had found refreshment in the faith of the Samaritan woman. Next was Jerusalem, upon entering the Holy City, Theotonius set himself first to see the Cross
on Mount Calvary
. Next on the journey was the location where Helena
found the true cross
. Soon after they went up to Sion
to the exact place of the Supper
where the Lord washed the feet of the disciples. Then returning by the Via Sacra
, Theotonius entered the Church of St. Peter of the Cock Crow
, and into the tomb of James, brother of the Lord
; following this they descended to the Valley of Josaphat
and prayed at the tomb
of the Holy Virgin Mary
. From there he went up to Gethsemane
, where the Lord had prayed to the Father at the foot of the Mount of Olives
. After ascending to the summit of the Mount of Olives
. From there he went through the village of Bethphage
and to Bethany, to the tomb of Lazarus
. The group then continued to Bethlehem
and, Theotonius fell to his knees and venerated the Virgin's holy shelter
where Christ was born. From there they passed by the Jordan, Jericho
, Capharnaum, and the sea of Galilee
. There the pilgrimage ended, and Theotonius and the other pilgrims from his parish returned to Portugal
.
. Theotonius sought to find all of his material wealth to aid the construction of the monastery
, he divided his wealth equally among the poor, one part he gave to the Church of Viseu
, and one part he brought with him for the future monastery
. The construction gained the backing of the Infante, and Bernardo, Bishop of Coimbra, and work began on the Holy Cross and of the Blessed Mary Mother of God, on the 28 June 1131. On the 22 February 1132 the monastery was completed and the community took the habit and rule
of Saint Augustine
, it opened with 72 members, with Theotonius made prior.
, the first King of Portugal. Every time that the King
was about to anything of importance he always came to see Theotonius and asked for his prayers. The King
did so when on the 25 June, the feast of Saint James, 1139, at the Battle of Ourique
, he defeated five moorish Kings
with their armies.
, after 30 years of service, Theotonius remained ever in prayer, shedding tears on account of this world and his longing for the Heaven. It was said that he ceased eating, no longer hunger, for he was filled with Jesus Christ. He then remained a hermit in solitude. He kept with him through his old age a shepherd's staff which Bernard
- the first abbot of Clairvaux
- had sent to him as a present when he heard of his sanctity. On Saturday the 18 February 1166, Theotonius died. The entire city of Coimbra
showed the admiration for him, and commended their souls to him; taking courage in his glory. The King
was taken by such grief. It is told that he said, "His soul will be in Heaven before his body is in the tomb".
Canon (priest)
A canon is a priest or minister who is a member of certain bodies of the Christian clergy subject to an ecclesiastical rule ....
and royal advisor. He is noted and famed in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, for being the first Prior
Prior
Prior is an ecclesiastical title, derived from the Latin adjective for 'earlier, first', with several notable uses.-Monastic superiors:A Prior is a monastic superior, usually lower in rank than an Abbot. In the Rule of St...
of the Monastery of the Holy Cross
Santa Cruz Monastery
The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, (English: Monastery of the Holy Cross, Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, best known as Igreja (Church) de Santa Cruz is a National Monument in Coimbra, Portugal. Because the first two kings of Portugal are buried in the...
in Coimbra
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city in the municipality of Coimbra in Portugal. Although it served as the nation's capital during the High Middle Ages, it is better-known for its university, the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the...
, Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. He was also the first Portuguese
Portuguese people
The Portuguese are a nation and ethnic group native to the country of Portugal, in the west of the Iberian peninsula of south-west Europe. Their language is Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion....
saint
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
.
Early life
Theotonius was born to Oveco, his father, and Eugenia, his mother, in the village of Ganfei near the city of ValençaValença, Portugal
Valença is a city in Valença Municipality, Portugal. It is a half-castle and half-land city. Bordering Galicia, Valença is also a famous Portuguese landmark to view an ancient castle town. These two parts of this city are not separated from each other and is also near to Viana Do Castelo....
, Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, in the district of Viana do Castelo in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. Theotonius was given a Greek name, which when translated means 'Godly'. Later when Theotonius entered adolescence
Adolescence
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood , but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage...
, he came to Coimbra
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city in the municipality of Coimbra in Portugal. Although it served as the nation's capital during the High Middle Ages, it is better-known for its university, the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the...
with his maternal uncle, Dom Cresconio, Bishop of Coimbra, who became his teacher at the Monastery of the Holy Cross
Santa Cruz Monastery
The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, (English: Monastery of the Holy Cross, Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, best known as Igreja (Church) de Santa Cruz is a National Monument in Coimbra, Portugal. Because the first two kings of Portugal are buried in the...
in Coimbra
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city in the municipality of Coimbra in Portugal. Although it served as the nation's capital during the High Middle Ages, it is better-known for its university, the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the...
. There under the direction of Tello, Archdeacon of Coimbra
Roman Catholic Diocese of Coimbra
The Diocese of Coimbra is a Roman Catholic diocese in Coimbra, Portugal. It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Braga.-History:The first known bishop was Lucentius, who assisted at the first council of Braga, the metropolitan See of Coimbra, until the latter was attached to the ecclesiastical...
, Theotonius learned the ecclesiastical practice of reading and chant. Later, after Bishop Cresconio died, he sought out the city of Viseu
Viseu
Viseu is both a city and a municipality in the Dão-Lafões Subregion of Centro Region, Portugal. The municipality, with an area of 507.1 km², has a population of 99,593 , and the city proper has 47,250...
, where he was welcomed in the Diocese of the Blessed Mary Ever Virgin
Roman Catholic Diocese of Viseu
The Portuguese Catholic diocese of Viseu is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Braga. Its see at Viseu is in the Centro Region. The current bishop is Ilídio Pinto Leandro.-History:...
, which at that time was subject to the Diocese of Coimbra. At the parish, Theotonius was appointed to the position of doorkeeper of the church. In this position he would perform the sacrament of opening
Conversion to Christianity
Conversion to Christianity is the religious conversion of a previously non-Christian person to some form of Christianity. It has been called the foundational experience of Christian life...
for the catechumens. He would read the exorcism
Exorcism
Exorcism is the religious practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed...
over unclean spirits and, by the grace of God, he cast them out of obsessed bodies. All of this before his ordination as priest
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
. Shortly after Theotonius was ordained a subdeacon.
Early religious life
After being ordained as a priestPriesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
, he remained at Viseu
Viseu
Viseu is both a city and a municipality in the Dão-Lafões Subregion of Centro Region, Portugal. The municipality, with an area of 507.1 km², has a population of 99,593 , and the city proper has 47,250...
. He was then overcome by the entreaties of his parishioners, and above all by the order of Dom Gonsalves, Bishop of Coimbra, to whom belonged the Church of Viseu
Viseu
Viseu is both a city and a municipality in the Dão-Lafões Subregion of Centro Region, Portugal. The municipality, with an area of 507.1 km², has a population of 99,593 , and the city proper has 47,250...
, to assume the prior
Prior
Prior is an ecclesiastical title, derived from the Latin adjective for 'earlier, first', with several notable uses.-Monastic superiors:A Prior is a monastic superior, usually lower in rank than an Abbot. In the Rule of St...
ship of the same Church, though this was extremely contrary to his own will, as later came to be seen. In his new office, Theotonius enriched it with temporal goods such as books, vestments, bells
Bell (instrument)
A bell is a simple sound-making device. The bell is a percussion instrument and an idiophone. Its form is usually a hollow, cup-shaped object, which resonates upon being struck...
, crucifix
Crucifix
A crucifix is an independent image of Jesus on the cross with a representation of Jesus' body, referred to in English as the corpus , as distinct from a cross with no body....
es and chalices, and also bibles. He so excelled in his position that Theotonius was asked a great many times by the Count Henry
Henry, Count of Portugal
Henry of Burgundy, Count of Portugal was Count of Portugal from 1093 to his death. He was brother of Hugh I, Duke of Burgundy, and Odo I, Duke of Burgundy, all sons of Henry, the heir of Robert I, Duke of Burgundy. His name is Henri in modern French, Henricus in Latin, Enrique in modern Spanish...
and his spouse the Queen Teresa, the clergy and of the whole people, to assume the office of Bishop. He strictly observed and preached the church dogma and canon
Canon law
Canon law is the body of laws & regulations made or adopted by ecclesiastical authority, for the government of the Christian organization and its members. It is the internal ecclesiastical law governing the Catholic Church , the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, and the Anglican Communion of...
, that a story is told that one day as he was preaching in the church of Viseu
Viseu
Viseu is both a city and a municipality in the Dão-Lafões Subregion of Centro Region, Portugal. The municipality, with an area of 507.1 km², has a population of 99,593 , and the city proper has 47,250...
, the Queen and Count Fernando - who at that time was her lover and not her legitimate husband - fled the church with shame.
Second pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Theotonius left his parish with a large number of pilgrims and set out once more to Jerusalem. Indeed the devout man had already made the journey once before. After travelling for ten weeks, the group arrived at the port of Saint NicholasBari
Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas...
, there he dwelt yet six weeks, for the wind was unfavourable. Once at sea the journey was fine until some days later, they were sailing by the Cape of Malea
Cape Malea
Cape Maleas is a peninsula and cape in the southeast of the Peloponnese in Greece. To distinguish it from the cape, the peninsula is sometimes referred to as "Epidavros Limira" peninsula, after the most prominent ancient city located on it. It separates the Laconian Gulf in the west from the...
, they all found themselves in a storm. The sailor
Sailor
A sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...
s turned to Theotonius, who was prostrate in prayer and weeping as well - due to fear- turned completely to God, and after having prayed psalms
Psalms
The Book of Psalms , commonly referred to simply as Psalms, is a book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible...
and litanies, the sea calmed and all on board began to sing the Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
"Gloria in excelsis Deo" is the title and beginning of a hymn known also as the Greater Doxology and the Angelic Hymn. The name is often abbreviated to Gloria in Excelsis or simply Gloria.It is an example of the psalmi idiotici "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Latin for "Glory to God in the highest")...
, because the God of mercy had rescued them. Three weeks after having from Bari
Bari
Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas...
, the arrived at the Holy Land
Holy Land
The Holy Land is a term which in Judaism refers to the Kingdom of Israel as defined in the Tanakh. For Jews, the Land's identifiction of being Holy is defined in Judaism by its differentiation from other lands by virtue of the practice of Judaism often possible only in the Land of Israel...
at port of Joppa
Jaffa
Jaffa is an ancient port city believed to be one of the oldest in the world. Jaffa was incorporated with Tel Aviv creating the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Jaffa is famous for its association with the biblical story of the prophet Jonah.-Etymology:...
. The group of pilgrims took a long and contemplative look of a route to Jerusalem. Starting by the tomb of St. George
Saint George
Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a priest in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic , Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox...
, the martyr
Martyr
A martyr is somebody who suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce, or accept, a belief or cause, usually religious.-Meaning:...
, at Lydda
Lod
Lod is a city located on the Sharon Plain southeast of Tel Aviv in the Center District of Israel. At the end of 2010, it had a population of 70,000, roughly 75 percent Jewish and 25 percent Arab.The name is derived from the Biblical city of Lod...
, and then to Nazareth
Nazareth
Nazareth is the largest city in the North District of Israel. Known as "the Arab capital of Israel," the population is made up predominantly of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel...
, where the Lord Savior was raised. From there they went to Tabor
Mount Tabor
-Places:*Mount Tabor, a hill in Israel near Nazareth believed by many to be the site of the Transfiguration of ChristIn the United States:*Mount Tabor, Indiana, an unincorporated community...
, where the Lord was transfigured
Transfiguration of Jesus
The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported in the New Testament in which Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant upon a mountain. The Synoptic Gospels describe it, and 2 Peter 1:16-18 refers to it....
. From there they travelled to Samaria
Samaria
Samaria, or the Shomron is a term used for a mountainous region roughly corresponding to the northern part of the West Bank.- Etymology :...
and saw the Tomb
Sebastia, Nablus
Sebastia is a Palestinian village of over 4,500 inhabitants, located in the Nablus Governorate of the West Bank some 12 kilometers northwest of the city of Nablus. The village's total area is 4,810 dunums, the built up area of which comprises 150 dunums...
of St. John the Baptist and of the twelve minor prophets, as well as that of Elisha
Elisha
Elisha is a prophet mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and the Qur'an. His name is commonly transliterated into English as Elisha via Hebrew, Eliseus via Greek and Latin, or Alyasa via Arabic.-Biblical biography:...
. Then, departing for the well
Jacob's Well
Jacob's Well is a deep well hewn of solid rock that has been associated in religious tradition with Jacob for roughly two millennia...
upon which the Lord had seated Himself, and had found refreshment in the faith of the Samaritan woman. Next was Jerusalem, upon entering the Holy City, Theotonius set himself first to see the Cross
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also called the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the walled Old City of Jerusalem. It is a few steps away from the Muristan....
on Mount Calvary
Calvary
Calvary or Golgotha was the site, outside of ancient Jerusalem’s early first century walls, at which the crucifixion of Jesus is said to have occurred. Calvary and Golgotha are the English names for the site used in Western Christianity...
. Next on the journey was the location where Helena
Helena of Constantinople
Saint Helena also known as Saint Helen, Helena Augusta or Helena of Constantinople was the consort of Emperor Constantius, and the mother of Emperor Constantine I...
found the true cross
True Cross
The True Cross is the name for physical remnants which, by a Christian tradition, are believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.According to post-Nicene historians, Socrates Scholasticus and others, the Empress Helena The True Cross is the name for physical remnants which, by a...
. Soon after they went up to Sion
Cenacle
The Cenacle , also known as the "Upper Room", is the term used for the site of The Last Supper. The word is a derivative of the Latin word cena, which means dinner....
to the exact place of the Supper
Last Supper
The Last Supper is the final meal that, according to Christian belief, Jesus shared with his Twelve Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. The Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for the Eucharist, also known as "communion" or "the Lord's Supper".The First Epistle to the Corinthians is...
where the Lord washed the feet of the disciples. Then returning by the Via Sacra
Via Dolorosa
The Via Dolorosa is a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion. The current route has been established since the 18th century, replacing various earlier versions...
, Theotonius entered the Church of St. Peter of the Cock Crow
Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu
The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu is a Roman Catholic church located on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, just outside the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel.-History:...
, and into the tomb of James, brother of the Lord
James the Just
James , first Bishop of Jerusalem, who died in 62 AD, was an important figure in Early Christianity...
; following this they descended to the Valley of Josaphat
Valley of Josaphat
The Valley of Josaphat is mentioned in only one passage of the Bible, in Joel 3.2 : "I will gather together all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Josaphat: and I will plead with them there for my people, and for my inheritance Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations"...
and prayed at the tomb
Mary's Tomb
Mary's Tomb is a tomb located in the Kidron Valley, on the foothills of Mount of Olives, near the Church of All Nations and Gethsemane garden, originally just outside Jerusalem...
of the Holy Virgin Mary
Mary (mother of Jesus)
Mary , commonly referred to as "Saint Mary", "Mother Mary", the "Virgin Mary", the "Blessed Virgin Mary", or "Mary, Mother of God", was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee...
. From there he went up to Gethsemane
Gethsemane
Gethsemane is a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem most famous as the place where, according to Biblical texts, Jesus and his disciples are said to have prayed the night before Jesus' crucifixion.- Etymology :...
, where the Lord had prayed to the Father at the foot of the Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge in East Jerusalem with three peaks running from north to south. The highest, at-Tur, rises to 818 meters . It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes...
. After ascending to the summit of the Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge in East Jerusalem with three peaks running from north to south. The highest, at-Tur, rises to 818 meters . It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes...
. From there he went through the village of Bethphage
Bethphage
Bethphage was a place in ancient Israel, mentioned as the place from which Jesus sent the disciples to find a donkey and a colt with her upon which he would ride into Jerusalem....
and to Bethany, to the tomb of Lazarus
Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus of Bethany, also known as Saint Lazarus or Lazarus of the Four Days, is the subject of a prominent miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus restores him to life four days after his death...
. The group then continued to Bethlehem
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank of the Jordan River, near Israel and approximately south of Jerusalem, with a population of about 30,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority and a hub of Palestinian culture and tourism...
and, Theotonius fell to his knees and venerated the Virgin's holy shelter
Church of the Nativity
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, and thus it is considered sacred by Christians...
where Christ was born. From there they passed by the Jordan, Jericho
Jericho
Jericho ; is a city located near the Jordan River in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories. It is the capital of the Jericho Governorate and has a population of more than 20,000. Situated well below sea level on an east-west route north of the Dead Sea, Jericho is the lowest permanently...
, Capharnaum, and the sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias , is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and it is approximately in circumference, about long, and wide. The lake has a total area of , and a maximum depth of approximately 43 m...
. There the pilgrimage ended, and Theotonius and the other pilgrims from his parish returned to Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
.
Foundation of the monastery of the Holy Cross
The Archdeacon Tello, purchased the site of the monasterySanta Cruz Monastery
The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, (English: Monastery of the Holy Cross, Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, best known as Igreja (Church) de Santa Cruz is a National Monument in Coimbra, Portugal. Because the first two kings of Portugal are buried in the...
. Theotonius sought to find all of his material wealth to aid the construction of the monastery
Santa Cruz Monastery
The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, (English: Monastery of the Holy Cross, Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, best known as Igreja (Church) de Santa Cruz is a National Monument in Coimbra, Portugal. Because the first two kings of Portugal are buried in the...
, he divided his wealth equally among the poor, one part he gave to the Church of Viseu
Viseu
Viseu is both a city and a municipality in the Dão-Lafões Subregion of Centro Region, Portugal. The municipality, with an area of 507.1 km², has a population of 99,593 , and the city proper has 47,250...
, and one part he brought with him for the future monastery
Santa Cruz Monastery
The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, The Santa Cruz Monastery, (English: Monastery of the Holy Cross, Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, best known as Igreja (Church) de Santa Cruz is a National Monument in Coimbra, Portugal. Because the first two kings of Portugal are buried in the...
. The construction gained the backing of the Infante, and Bernardo, Bishop of Coimbra, and work began on the Holy Cross and of the Blessed Mary Mother of God, on the 28 June 1131. On the 22 February 1132 the monastery was completed and the community took the habit and rule
Augustinians
The term Augustinians, named after Saint Augustine of Hippo , applies to two separate and unrelated types of Catholic religious orders:...
of Saint Augustine
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo , also known as Augustine, St. Augustine, St. Austin, St. Augoustinos, Blessed Augustine, or St. Augustine the Blessed, was Bishop of Hippo Regius . He was a Latin-speaking philosopher and theologian who lived in the Roman Africa Province...
, it opened with 72 members, with Theotonius made prior.
Dealings with royalty
Through his good nature and living Theotonius was held a trusted position as advisor to Afonso HenriquesAfonso I of Portugal
Afonso I or Dom Afonso Henriques , more commonly known as Afonso Henriques , nicknamed "the Conqueror" , "the Founder" or "the Great" by the Portuguese, and El-Bortukali and Ibn-Arrik by the Moors whom he fought, was the first King of Portugal...
, the first King of Portugal. Every time that the King
Afonso I of Portugal
Afonso I or Dom Afonso Henriques , more commonly known as Afonso Henriques , nicknamed "the Conqueror" , "the Founder" or "the Great" by the Portuguese, and El-Bortukali and Ibn-Arrik by the Moors whom he fought, was the first King of Portugal...
was about to anything of importance he always came to see Theotonius and asked for his prayers. The King
Afonso I of Portugal
Afonso I or Dom Afonso Henriques , more commonly known as Afonso Henriques , nicknamed "the Conqueror" , "the Founder" or "the Great" by the Portuguese, and El-Bortukali and Ibn-Arrik by the Moors whom he fought, was the first King of Portugal...
did so when on the 25 June, the feast of Saint James, 1139, at the Battle of Ourique
Battle of Ourique
The Battle of Ourique saw the forces of Portuguese Prince Afonso Henriques defeat the Almoravid Moors led by Ali ibn Yusuf.-Background:...
, he defeated five moorish Kings
Ali ibn Yusuf
Ali ibn Yusuf was the 5th Almoravid king he reigned 1106–1143.-Biography:Ali was recognized as the heir of his father Yusuf ibn Tashfin in 1102. He succeeded his father upon his death in 1106. Ali ruled from Morocco and appointed his brother Tamin ibn Yusuf as governor of Al-Andalus...
with their armies.
Later years and death
Theotonius retired from his pastoral office, of priorPrior
Prior is an ecclesiastical title, derived from the Latin adjective for 'earlier, first', with several notable uses.-Monastic superiors:A Prior is a monastic superior, usually lower in rank than an Abbot. In the Rule of St...
, after 30 years of service, Theotonius remained ever in prayer, shedding tears on account of this world and his longing for the Heaven. It was said that he ceased eating, no longer hunger, for he was filled with Jesus Christ. He then remained a hermit in solitude. He kept with him through his old age a shepherd's staff which Bernard
Bernard of Clairvaux
Bernard of Clairvaux, O.Cist was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian order.After the death of his mother, Bernard sought admission into the Cistercian order. Three years later, he was sent to found a new abbey at an isolated clearing in a glen known as the Val...
- the first abbot of Clairvaux
Clairvaux Abbey
Clairvaux Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Ville-sous-la-Ferté, 15 km from Bar-sur-Aube, in the Aube département in northeastern France. The original building, founded in 1115 by St. Bernard, is now in ruins; a high-security prison, the Clairvaux Prison, now occupies the grounds...
- had sent to him as a present when he heard of his sanctity. On Saturday the 18 February 1166, Theotonius died. The entire city of Coimbra
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city in the municipality of Coimbra in Portugal. Although it served as the nation's capital during the High Middle Ages, it is better-known for its university, the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the...
showed the admiration for him, and commended their souls to him; taking courage in his glory. The King
Afonso I of Portugal
Afonso I or Dom Afonso Henriques , more commonly known as Afonso Henriques , nicknamed "the Conqueror" , "the Founder" or "the Great" by the Portuguese, and El-Bortukali and Ibn-Arrik by the Moors whom he fought, was the first King of Portugal...
was taken by such grief. It is told that he said, "His soul will be in Heaven before his body is in the tomb".