St. Nuno Álvares maintained an almost childlike in his devotion to God and his strict code of morality, even for the soldiers in his army. He attributed his stunning victories to Mary’s intercession on his behalf. Although the “Holy Constable” was one of the most powerful men in the kingdom, he used his wealth and influence to promote religious devotion, and to build many churches as signs of his gratitude. Perhaps the most spectacular of his churches was the imposing Carmo in Lisbon, which he entrusted to the care of the Carmelites. He provided built a large house to house the religious. At that time, there was only a single Carmelite house in Portugal, at Moura. The new house and church were lavishly endowed by the Constable, who also insisted on regular prayer and strict observance of the Rule.
While the ruins of the Carmo church in Lisbon stand today as just a shell following the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the house he built for the Carmelites next to the church remained intact. In fact, St. Nuno would enter the Order and live as a brother in this house following his retirement from military duty. Today, the building, known as the Carmo Barrack, serves as the headquarters of the National Republican Guard (GNR) although it retains a few of the features that were present in the time of St. Nuno.
On the ground floor a “cell” contains a few objects from the life of St. Nuno. A plaque near the door of the cell reads “This is the location of the cell where the Constable died on November 1, 1431.” On the bed is his habit. On one wall hangs two objects of popular mortification: a discipline, an instrument for self-flagellation and a metal chain cilice with inwardly-pointing tines.
Other objects include a flag decorated a large Cross and images of St. George, St. Thiago, St. John and of Mary, one with the Child Jesus. There is also a large trunk and a small statue of the Saint standing on an old altar decorated with a large Cross in a style favored by St. Nuno.
St. Nuno Álvares Pereira's tomb was lost in the famous 1755 Lisbon earthquake. His epitaph read:
"Here lies that famous Nuno, the Constable, founder of the House of Bragança, excellent general, blessed monk, who during his life on earth so ardently desired the Kingdom of Heaven that after his death, he merited the eternal company of the Saints. His worldly honors were countless, but he turned his back on them. He was a great Prince, but he made himself a humble monk. He founded, built and endowed this church in which his body rests."
