Freemasonry
An essentially philosophical, philanthropic, educational, and progressive institution.
The definition comes from the Grande Oriente do Brasil, the Masonic Power the Fênix has been federated to since its founding. This page gathers what the Order publicly says about itself — nothing here is private.
If you'd rather watch.
A video presentation on what Freemasonry is, for anyone arriving without any prior reference.
It strives for the moral, intellectual, and social betterment of humanity, through the unwavering fulfillment of duty, the disinterested practice of benevolence, and the constant investigation of truth.
Proclaims
That men are free and equal in rights, and that tolerance is the cardinal principle of human relations, so that each person's convictions and dignity are respected.
Defends
Full freedom of thought and expression as a fundamental human right, with its corresponding responsibility.
Recognizes
Work as a social duty and an inalienable right, and holds it dignifying and noble in any of its forms.
Opposes
Ignorance, superstition, and tyranny — and affirms that political, religious, or racial sectarianism is incompatible with the Masonic spirit.
Its supreme aims are Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
What people usually ask.
- What is the purpose of Freemasonry?
- The investigation of truth, the study of morals, and the practice of virtue.
- What is its motto?
- Science, Justice, and Labor. Science, to enlighten and elevate the mind; Justice, to balance and ennoble human relations; and Labor, through which men gain dignity and economic independence.
- Is Freemasonry a secret society?
- No — for the simple reason that its existence is widely known.
- Is Freemasonry a religion?
- No. The Order requires belief in a Creating Principle, but it is not a religion and asks no one to renounce their faith. Religious sectarianism is expressly incompatible with the Masonic spirit.
- Why is it philanthropic?
- Because it is not organized to obtain any kind of personal profit: its funds and resources are directed to the well-being of humankind.
- What is a Masonic Temple?
- It is the place where Masons meet periodically, in a fraternal setting, for the work proper to them.
These answers follow what the Grande Oriente do Brasil publishes in “O que é Maçonaria” (“What is Freemasonry”). Read it on the GOB website (in Portuguese) →
Who can become a Mason.
There are four indispensable individual conditions, and they apply in any regular Lodge of the Grande Oriente do Brasil.
- 01
Believe in the existence of a Creating Principle.
- 02
Be a free man of good character.
- 03
Be conscious of one's duties toward one's country, one's fellow man, and oneself.
- 04
Have a lawful and honorable profession or trade that allows one to provide for oneself and one's family.
How to joinThere is no self-application or candidacy: initiation depends on an invitation and on a process conducted by the Lodge. For anyone interested, the first step is to talk to us.
Fênix Nº 1884
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