Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Dores

On March 22, 1940, a decree from the Archdiocese of São Paulo marked the birth of Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Dores. This auspicious date, coinciding with the Feast of the Resurrection, seemed to foretell the church’s own resurrection, rising from parts of surrounding parishes. Initially, the church was dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Mercês. The first home of Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Dores was a humble chapel and residence on Rua Agostinho Gomes. Then, on April 10, 1942, Frei Carlos Cumerlato became the first vicar. A member of the Servite Order, devoted to Our Lady of Sorrows, Frei Cumerlato requested a change. He wanted the parish’s patron to reflect this devotion. His wish was granted. On March 22, 1942, another decree officially renamed the parish Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Dores. In 1946, the Servite Order received permission to build a new church. They purchased land from the Asilo Bom Pastor, with access from Rua do Fico. Even before the ink dried, construction began on a hall to serve as a temporary chapel, facing Rua do Fico. A modest residence for the friars was also built. Construction began on August 26th with just three workers. By November, the foundation and some walls were up, but progress was slow. The community rallied, launching fundraising campaigns and contributing monthly to speed up the project. On February 2, 1947, the first Mass was held. A procession carrying the image of Our Lady of Sorrows left the original chapel on Rua Agostinho Gomes. It wound its way to the new site on Rua do Fico, accompanied by parishioners, representatives from neighboring churches, and a band. The first mass at the new Rua do Fico chapel, now with a roof, was celebrated on December 8, 1947, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The new church was completed in 1949. On April 30, 1949, the image of Nossa Senhora das Dores was solemnly transferred from the temporary chapel on Rua Agostinho Gomes to its new home on Rua do Fico. All religious activities were now centered in the new church. The priests finally moved into their new residence above the church on July 16. The current Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Dores building began construction in March 1956, on Rua Tabor. The first stake was driven into the ground on August 18. Construction began in earnest in October 1956, fueled by community fundraising and support. The grand inauguration finally took place on May 28, 1961. A procession with a new image of Nossa Senhora das Dores, brought from Italy, paraded through the streets. A 21-gun salute marked the procession’s passage by the Independence Monument. Cardinal Carlos Carmelo de Vasconcelos Motta consecrated the church, the image of Our Lady, and the crucifix. Following the ceremony, Monsignor Julio Mattioli celebrated Mass in the old church, now converted into a parish hall.