In a pivotal moment for Portugal's political and religious landscape, Joaquim António de Aguiar, serving as the Minister of Justice, issued a law that officially seized all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices, and any other properties belonging to Catholic religious orders. This legislative move was a crucial part of broader liberal reforms that swept through Portugal during the 19th century, particularly in the aftermath of the Liberal Wars, which were fought between the forces of liberal constitutionalists and conservative absolutists. Aguiar's actions were designed to curtail the extensive power and wealth that the Catholic Church had accumulated and were aimed at establishing a more secular state. By stripping the church of its properties, the government sought not only financial resources to support state activities but also a means to weaken the clergy's influence over public life and politics.

The immediate response from the Catholic Church and its supporters was one of outrage, leading to tensions and resistance from those who viewed the seizure as an attack on their faith and culture. The confiscation was part of a wider trend in Europe during the 19th century, where many nations sought to reduce the power of religious institutions and promote secular governance. This marked a definitive moment in the struggle for liberal governance in Portugal, where various factions aimed to define the relationship between the state and religion. Aguiar's bold step placed him at the heart of this conflict and solidified his reputation as a controversial figure in Portuguese history.

As a result of this law, thousands of religious individuals found themselves displaced, their lives disrupted by the sweeping reforms. The move not only illustrated the desire for modernization and democratization but also triggered a fundamental shift in societal structures, altering the landscape of power in Portugal. The properties seized often found new purposes under the state, either being repurposed for educational or hospital use or sold to wealthy landowners, reflecting a significant reorganization of property and influence in the nation.