the cult of the holy spirit survived in the azores islands among the local population and under the traditional protection of the order of christ. here the arm of the inquisition did not effectively extend its power, despite reports from local ecclesiastical authorities. beyond the azores, the cult survived in many parts of brazil (where it was established in the 16th through 18th centuries) and is celebrated today in all brazilian states except two, as well as in pockets of portuguese settlers in north america (canada and usa), mainly among those of azorian descent.