Living abroad can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding places to worship in your native language. For English-speaking Catholics and Christians in Porto and the surrounding region, attending Mass or services in English can offer a comforting sense of community and spiritual connection. Whether you’re a tourist, expat, or student, here’s a quick guide to some of the best places offering English-language Catholic Masses or Christian services in Porto and nearby Braga.
- Igreja dos Clérigos (Porto) – Located in the heart of Porto, the historic Igreja dos Clérigos offers a Catholic Mass in English every Saturday at 5:00 pm. This service welcomes tourists, students, and foreign residents, providing an opportunity to participate in the liturgy in English while enjoying the beautiful baroque architecture of the church.
- St James Anglican Church (Porto) – While not Catholic, St James Anglican Church holds English-language Anglican services every Sunday at 11:00 am. Located near the city center, it serves the English-speaking community with welcoming worship, including a children’s program before the main service.
- Calvary Chapel Grande Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) – For those interested in a more evangelical style of worship, Calvary Chapel Grande Porto offers Sunday services in English with Portuguese translation available. This vibrant church welcomes expats and international visitors seeking fellowship and worship in English.
- Basílica dos Congregados (Braga) – Just a short trip from Porto, the Basílica dos Congregados in Braga has recently started offering a Catholic Mass in English every Sunday at 5:30 pm. This initiative supports the growing international community in Braga and is a beautiful option for those willing to venture a little outside Porto.
- Fronteira Church (Porto) – Fronteira Church is a Pentecostal church present in the United States, Germany, Brasil and now in Portugal. Being a multicultural church, here in Porto all of their services have translation to English, and once a month they host an event called “Church in English”, which aims to welcome English-speaking individuals and families, providing a space for worship and fellowship in English. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others and experience the church’s vibrant community.
Finding a welcoming space to worship in English is an important part of feeling at home abroad. Whether you prefer the traditional Catholic Mass at Igreja dos Clérigos or Basílica dos Congregados, the Anglican tradition at St James, or evangelical fellowship at Calvary Chapel, the Porto region offers several options for English-speaking Christians. Exploring these communities can enrich your spiritual life and help build lasting friendships in your new home.
