Introduction / History

Off the west coast of Equatorial Guinea is the island of São Tomé, named after St. Thomas by the Portuguese. Starting in the 1480s, the powerful Portuguese send those they did not want in their country, starting with Jewish people, then others. They were called degradados. Eventually they brought slaves from Africa, whom the “degradados” eventually married. Their children were promised liberty from slavery. These children and the ones who came after them eventually morphed into six ethnic groups, including the Saotomense Mesticos. They are defined in part by their language, Saotomense.

Saotomense Mesticos live in São Tomé and Príncipe, with a smaller population in Portugal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Saotomense Mesticos in Portugal can be fishermen, like they were in their home islands, though they also do other kinds of work. Their women, who live in Portugal’s urban centers, have much more equality with men than they are used to in their home islands. Women are able to make their own money, which empowers them.

In their spare time, they enjoy stories, folklore, and poetry, which they use to keep their culture alive. They have great respect for the elderly and look to them for wisdom.

Saotomense Mestico rites of passage are centered in Roman Catholicism. They celebrate when they baptize a baby, for example. Weddings are done in Catholic churches.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Saotomense Mesticos are primarily Roman Catholics, but there are Evangelicals among them. Some mix ancient African religious practices with their form of Roman Catholicism. For example, they revere the spirits of their dead ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

Saotomense Mesticos need a Christ-centered faith that will drive them to share him with those who haven’t heard.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the Saotomense Mesticos.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a mighty revival to the homes and churches of Saotomense Mesticos.
Pray for Saotomense Mestico Christians to be filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the Saotomense Mestico Christians to excel in love, joy, and peace as they take Christ to others.
Pray for them to have patience and kindness as they minister the gospel.

Scripture Prayers for the Saotomense, Mestico in Portugal.

References

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sao-tomeans