The ceremony, part of the "Nunes Pereira: from Birth to [re]birth" program running until December 2026, commemorated the 120th anniversary of the priest, artist, and humanist's birth and the 25th anniversary of his death. The event included a Eucharistic celebration led by Father Nuno Santos, Rector of the Seminário Maior de Coimbra, and the participation of the Mixed Choir of the Associação Educativa e Recreativa de Góis (AERG).
Following the mass, a commemorative plaque was unveiled and the mural was inaugurated. Representatives from involved entities were present, including the Vice-President of the Góis Municipal Council, Nuno Bandeira, and Virgínia Gomes, representing the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro.
The São Gens Church, celebrating its 56th anniversary this year, is a key testament to Nunes Pereira's artistic presence in the municipality. Opened in 1970, the church houses several of the artist's works, including stained glass windows, wrought iron Stations of the Cross, and images of São Gens and Santa Ana. Nunes Pereira also created the original design for the church in 1959.
Councilwoman Paula Matos of the Góis Municipal Council highlighted the special affection for the church, stating that "the entire church bears the Monsenhor's touch." The artistic intervention aims to strengthen the connection between the artist and the space he helped conceive.
The mural, created by artist Fernando Martins, was inspired by a photograph by José Maria Pimentel and graphic design by Rui Veríssimo. The work depicts Nunes Pereira and revives the church's original design, preserving the creator's memory and his art. According to Paula Matos, the intention was to "immortalize the image, the creator with the art, so that the creator and the art remain eternally together here."
The tribute coincided with the enhancement of the church's heritage. Renovation works were completed in November 2025, supported financially by the Góis Municipal Council, alongside the Commission of Cult, the Improvement Association, and the Casa do Povo of Ponte do Sótão.
The "Nunes Pereira: from Birth to [re]birth" program began in December 2025 as a collaboration between the Seminário Maior de Coimbra, the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, and the municipalities of Arganil, Cantanhede, Coimbra, Góis, Lousã, Montemor-o-Velho, and Pampilhosa da Serra. It features various initiatives dedicated to the life and work of Augusto Nunes Pereira.
Augusto Nunes Pereira (1906-2001), born in Mata, Fajão, Pampilhosa da Serra, was a priest, artist, writer, poet, and professor. His work, particularly linked to sacred art, is preserved in various locations in the Central Region.
Through this mural inauguration, Góis strengthens the appreciation of Ponte do Sótão's artistic and religious heritage and promotes the legacy of a significant cultural figure of the Central Region.
