About
The Holy Ghost Society is common in Portuguese settlements though the world and in addition to filling a social need, has religious significance. Every year, members commemorate the 16th century feeding of the famine stricken Portuguese people by Queen Isabella. The religious Queen prayed to the Holy Ghost for relief from the floods which had inundated the land. The rains stopped and the waters receded, but the land was barren. Queen Isabella then sold her crown jewels to buy food for her people. Each year the people of the Holy Ghost Society bear a symbolic crown to St. Mary's Church recalling the generous act of the queen and offering prayer to the Holy Ghost.
