Imagine a sanctuary. That sanctuary is the Paróquia Cristo Redentor. It stands as a beacon of faith in Rio de Janeiro.
The Paróquia Cristo Redentor began as an idea to honor Princess Isabel. Instead, she suggested a tribute to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This marked the beginning of the Paróquia Cristo Redentor’s journey.
The Metropolitan Curia of Rio de Janeiro sought help from the Society of the Divine Word. They wanted the SVD to work in their diocese. Father Helenbrock became vicar in 1920. He had Fathers Martinho Weber, Guilherme Münster and Roberto Bonk as his assistants.
The early days were challenging. Father Helenbrock described the parish as materially unattractive. It consisted mostly of poor people. But the spirit of the community was strong.
In 1944, Archbishop D. Jaime de Barros Câmara praised the work. He recognized the good religious spirit among the people. Over 1000 children attended catechism.
The priests assisted in hospitals. These included Nossa Senhora da Saúde and São Francisco de Paula. They also helped at the Asilo do Bom Pastor.
The Society of the Divine Word wanted a larger house in Rio. This would serve the province’s needs. They sought a place for sick members and those passing through. It would also facilitate contact with church officials.
Offers came to purchase buildings on Rua das Laranjeiras. The SVD chose the “Metrópole Hotel” at number 519. They bought it in 1930.
Initially, it became a boarding house for female students. It was named “Instituto Acadêmico Albertino.” Father Agostinho Jänsch named it. Cardinal Sebastião Leme blessed the house. It housed up to 90 students.
In 1937, the provincial superior decided to stop the boarding house. The Congregation planned to build a church there. The Instituto closed in 1941.
Without a chapel, priests celebrated Mass elsewhere. Father Teodoro Tenschert built a chapel. It opened in 1932 and served for ten years. It was later demolished. The chapel was popular among local families. Religious activity grew weekly.
In 1940, Father José Richter received approval for a church plan. The Superior General requested plans for both a church and a residence. It took two years to get city approval.
Demolition began to make way for the Santuário Cristo Redentor and residence. Construction ended in 1943. Work on the new residence and church started in 1944.
The cornerstone ceremony took place in December 1944. Archbishop Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara officiated. The place was named “Cristo Redentor”. Father José Richter was the local superior. Fathers Paulo Freymann and Guilherme Münster lived there. Also present were Guilherme Dold, José Maria Wisniewski and Brother Solano.
The Paróquia Cristo Redentor was created in 1945. It was inaugurated on January 20, 1948.
The sanctuary atop Corcovado became known as the “Santuário de Cristo Redentor”.
The priests working at the Paróquia Cristo Redentor are Verbitas. They belong to the Society of the Divine Word. The society was founded by Father Arnaldo Janssen in Germany in 1875. Its mission is spreading the Gospel. Its members work where the Gospel is not well-known.
The Society of the Divine Word arrived in Brazil in 1895. They came to Cachoeiro de Santa Leopoldina.
Today, the Paróquia Cristo Redentor stands as a testament. It reflects faith, community, and dedication. It embodies the spirit of Rio de Janeiro.