Saude For the first time ever: a ceremony in Portuguese
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History was made on Saturday 6th September 2025: for the first time in over a century, a ceremony was delivered in a new foreign language in London.
The United Arts Rifles Lodge No 3817, The Brazilian Lodge, has been authorised to conduct all of its ceremonies in Brazilian Portuguese, starting with a quadruple raising ceremony held on that Saturday!
This proud achievement is the realisation of a dream that started with 19 Brazilian Freemasons taking over the Lodge in 2019. After many years of hard work, initiating dozens of candidates, joining the Anglo-Foreign Lodges Association (AFLA) and being named Banner Lodge for the AFLA Reunion in 2026, we are grateful to UGLE for granting us what, for a long time, felt like a distant and impossible dream.
This historic meeting was an outstanding success, thanks to the generous support of MetGL in the persons of our Met Grand Inspector, Met Assistant Grand Inspector and the Met Grand Secretary. Much help was also gratefully received from UGLE, through the Chancellor’s office in the person of David Robert-Jones, who generously and brilliantly manned the organ and delivered an exceptional atmosphere during the ceremony; and led outstanding renditions of both the British and Brazilian Anthems, a performance that was praised by all in attendance.
The Lodge was also overjoyed to receive the attendance of the Grand Master General of the Grand Orient of Brazil, the Grand Master of the Grand Orient Paulista (state of Sao Paulo), and the Grand Lodge of the State of Espirito Santo; as well as members of the District and other recognised Grand Lodges in Brazil, all of whom travelled specifically for this momentous occasion.
While our ceremonies are now in Portuguese, the importance of visiting and our desire to welcome our Brethren with open arms has not changed, and any Brother wishing to visit and sample our signature Festive Board of all-you-can-eat premium meat can do so by contacting
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 59 here.
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