This is a book of hours to meditate about certain dogmas or doctrinal teachings. These books were normally illustrated as visual aids were considered influential to construct a sense of space and time in which, through a spiritual exercise, the devout was able to mentally and spiritually experience the teachings and the sacred events.

According to scholar Francisco Santos Silva, “A Book of Hours by Brother Francisco de Jesus Maria Sarmento, a brother of the Franciscan Third Order (lay brothers).

Hours of the Holy Week, used in the teaching and meditation on the main offices and sacred mysteries of this holy temple. Translated and expounded in the Portuguese language, with several historical illustrations, opportune moral reflections and various pious practices, for a better intelligence, devout exercise and spiritual advantage for the Christian faithful in these great and solemn days.

Seventh printing with added content by its author Fr. Francisco de Jesus Maria Sarmento, Ex-General member of the Congregation of the Holy Third Order,
Lisbon in the Royal Typographical Workshop in the year MDCCLXXXVI (1786) with license from the Royal censorship board and Royal Privilege.”