In the early 16th century, the Age of Discovery was in full swing, with European powers seeking new trade routes and territories. João Álvares Fagundes, a noteworthy Portuguese navigator, embarked on ambitious voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. During one of these expeditions, he reached an archipelago located south of Newfoundland, known today as Saint Pierre and Miquelon. These islands became an important landmark due to their strategic position along the Atlantic trade routes. Fagundes named them the 'Islands of the 11,000 Virgins,' a title rooted in both religious significance and the culture of the time, evoking imagery of purity and abundance.The discovery of these islands represented a growing Portuguese presence in North America amidst fierce competition from other European powers, particularly Spain and France. By claiming these lands, Fagundes contributed to establishing the Portuguese Empire's interests in the New World, offering potential for future settlements and resource exploitation. The islands offered rich fishing grounds and served as a base for further exploration and trade.Fagundes’s journey to these islands ultimately paved the way for future expeditions and highlighted the islands' geographical significance in subsequent colonial endeavors. This early encounter also showcased the intersection of exploration and faith, as Fagundes and other explorers intertwined their maritime pursuits with religious aspirations, seeking to expand both their empires and their faith across the seas.