Didn’t this sacred space begin as just a humble chapel? Today we stand before the Santuário Nossa Senhora Mãe da Divina Providência. It is located on Rua do Catete in the Catete neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro.
The story of this sanctuary began long before its current form. The inauguration of the Capela Nossa Senhora Mãe da Divina Providência occurred on November 12 1944. This event brought great joy to the Parish of São Sebastiao do Barreto. It provided another temple. Here people could love venerate glorify and know God. Almost a thousand souls were reached.
Preparations for the inauguration included a three-day event. It consisted of prayers and sermons. Important figures attended the inauguration day. The Municipal Prefect and Dom José Pereira Alves were present. Monsenhor Raeder presented the Capela. He honored those who helped build it. Their names were inscribed “AD PERPETUAM MEMORIAM” meaning “To eternal memory”.
The Bishop Diocesano blessed inaugurated and consecrated the Capela. It was dedicated to God through Mary Immaculate under the title Mãe da Divina Providência. The Capela belonged to the people of Engenhoca.
Prominent figures served as sponsors for the blessing. These included Dr Brandão Júnior and Dr Frederico Dahne. Also involved were Sr João Mendes Sr Daniel Torres Sr Antônio Gonçalves Lima and Sr Paulo Plácido Muniz.
Following the blessing the inauguration act was signed. A Mass was celebrated for the faithful. Mons João Quintela Raeder led the service. Padres Silvio Marinho and Moisés Saraiva assisted. The Barreto Marian Congregation choir sang. Padre Osmam de Jesus directed the choir. Bishop gave a sermon about Nossa Senhora Mãe da Divina Providência. Baptisms and confirmations occurred that day. A procession and Te Deum took place. The Banda de Música 22 de março enhanced the celebrations.
The construction costs totaled CR$ 11050910. On August 6 1954 almost ten years after the Capela’s inauguration it was separated from the Parish of São Sebastião do Barreto. The new Parish was created under the same invocation of Mãe da Divina Providência.
Bishop Dom João da Mata de Andrade e Amaral created it. He elevated the Capela to parish status. This occurred on August 6 1954. The Capela of the same name was inaugurated on November 12 1944. The Bishop entrusted the new parish to the Vocacionist Fathers of Naples Italy. Padre Hugo Ferracio became its director. Padres Maurício Lombardo and Ciro Nuzzo assisted him.
However on December 23 of the same year the priests left the parish. Padre Ângelo Bruno took over. He had accompanied them from Bahia.
Many pastors have served here. They include Pe Ângelo Bruno Pe Luiz Galdino da Costa and Pe Wilson Saraiva Wermelinger. Also serving were Pe Rolando Canalini Pe Paulo César dos Santos Câmara and Pe Pedro Pereira de Moraes. Pe Adriano Cézar da Conceição Pinheiro also served.
The Santuário Nossa Senhora Mãe da Divina Providência stands as a testament. It shows faith devotion and community. It began as a small chapel. It evolved into a sanctuary. This sacred place continues to offer solace inspiration and spiritual guidance. It enriches the lives of those who enter its doors.