The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of José Calvário.

Following is the text of the President’s message:

"On behalf of the people of Portugal and in my own and my wife’s personal name, I want to address our deepest condolences to the Family of João Bénard da Costa, one of the more relevant names in Portuguese culture.

Well known to the public as the image of the Portuguese Film Library, to which he has been connected for over 30 years, he was also a man of letters. Co-author and main catalyst of the magazine “O Tempo e o Modo”, researcher, critic and essayist, João Bénard da Costa promoted and contributed significantly to studies and reflections concerning cinema.

As Chairman of the Committee for the Celebrations of the National Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities during a decade, his speeches revealed a profound knowledge of Portuguese History and Culture. Having dedicated all his life to arts and culture he justly deserves our greatest esteem and regard.

In this hour of mourning, it is with great regret that I pay my tribute to João Bénard da Costa, a man of Culture for Culture’s sake, a man of rare sensitivity, who will remain in the memory of all who accompanied his life as an intellectual and a Patron of causes. 

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"