Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos

“A church built for orphans? How peculiar,” a young boy whispered to his mother, tugging at her hand as they stood before Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos. The Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos, located in Vila Rica, Santo André, held a unique story within its walls. Originally, the site held a small wooden chapel in 1965. This chapel was dedicated to Mother of God and belonged to the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary of Vila Luzita. The Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos itself wasn’t established until much later. In 1976, Bishop Dom Cláudio Hummes entrusted the care of the small chapel to the Somascan Religious order. Construction took place in 1981. Fathers Domenico and Caetano oversaw the building of a parish hall and a masonry chapel. Later, under Father Attilio, additional land was acquired. This allowed for the construction of a parish house, catechism rooms, and a large hall that currently serves as the main church of the Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos. Around this time, the Somascans also established a social project to care for children and adolescents. This project is now known as the São Jerônimo Center. The Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos officially became a parish in 1998. Bishop Dom Décio Pereira established the parish, separating it from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. Many Somascan priests have served the Paróquia Mãe de Deus e dos Órfãos. These include Father Geraldo Teixeira, Father Attilio Taricco, Father Paul C. Kottackal, Father Francisco, Father Carlos Alberto Maranho, Father Enzo Campagna, and Father Alessandre Benedito. The current priest is Father Almir. In 1999, the parish territory was further divided. This division led to the creation of the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe a few years later.