The distinction, presented by the Italian Ambassador to Portugal, Claudio Miscia, recognizes contributions to cultural dialogue between the two countries. In addition to Fernandes, António M. Feijó, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and Elisa Sartor, founder of the Italian bookstore Piena, were also honored.
The decoration for the Director of FLUL highlights the faculty's role in promoting Italian language and culture in Portugal and strengthening academic and cultural relations. Ambassador Claudio Miscia emphasized the importance of the Italian course at FLUL, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and Fernandes's commitment to cooperation with the Embassy.
The academic and institutional actions of Professor Hermenegildo Fernandes in valuing culture as a tool for multicultural European integration were also highlighted, through the creation of collaboration networks between countries, particularly between Italy and the Iberian Peninsula.
“"The decoration also represents the work developed by the Faculty of Letters, while also acknowledging the personal significance of this distinction."
The Faculty of Letters also congratulated Professor Emeritus António M. Feijó, former Director of FLUL and current President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, for the same distinction.
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is the country's highest honorary order, awarded to Italian and foreign citizens for outstanding services in the arts, letters, economy, civil and military careers, or for significant social and humanitarian actions.
