HISTORY
- Latin name: Evangelii Praecones
- Acronym: E. P.
- Type: Private international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right
- Rule: Obedience, poverty and chastity Habit Heralds
- Founder: João Scognamiglio Clá Dias
- Founded: 1999
- Place of foundation: Brazil
- Approval: February 22, 2001
- Superior General: Monsignor João Clá Dias
- Presence: 78 countries
- Activities: Evangelization, culture and art
- Main foundations: Virgo Flos Carmeli and Regina Virginum
- Website: https://www.heraldosdelevangelio.com
The Heralds of the Gospel, also known in some places as Knights of the Virgin (in Latin Evangelii Præcones, whose acronym is E.P.), is a private international association of the faithful of pontifical right of the Catholic Church. It was founded in Brazil by Monsignor João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, recognized by the Holy See on February 22, 2001 by Pope John Paul II and definitively confirmed in its statutes and ordo of customs by Benedict XVI.
According to its own data, it has more than four thousand members (mostly young people) of common life and is present in 50 countries distributed as follows: Africa (8), Asia (6), Europe (13), North and Central America (12), Oceania (1), South America (10). About 40,000 families are involved in works of evangelization.
SYMBOLS
On their medallion are the three main symbols of the Heralds: the keys of St. Peter (symbolizing the Pope), Mary Most Holy and the Most Holy Eucharist. At the waist, an iron chain represents the very strong bond of each herald with Mary, to the point that they are called «Slaves of Jesus through Mary». From this chain hangs the Rosary, often recommended by Mary in her apparitions.
The members of the heralds, both men and women, wear medieval military-style uniforms, with a beige tunic, adorned with the design of the cross of Santiago, long-legged boots and a rosary around their waists.
I invite you to read this history.