Was it fate or divine will that brought the Conventual Friars to this very spot? We are standing before the Capela São Francisco de Assis. This church and convent in Vigário Geral has a unique story. It marks the first presence of Conventual Friars in all of Latin America.
Let’s step back in time to 1945. The Paróquia São Francisco de Assis was founded. A year later missionaries from the Order of Friars Minor Conventual arrived. They came all the way from the United States. These men were pioneers. They were establishing a new base for their order.
In 1947 the Convento São Francisco was officially erected. This Convent and Paróquia became the mother house. It was the heart of the Custódia Imaculada Conceição do Brasil. Frei Carlos Roberto de Oliveira Charles is the current Custódio Provincial. He also serves as the Guardião do Convento.
Today Frei Ronaldo Gomes da Silva is the parish priest. He leads the faithful of São Francisco de Assis. The church provides regular services. You can attend mass from Tuesday to Saturday at 7 PM. On Sundays mass is held at 7 AM 8:30 AM 10 AM and 7 PM.
The parish is active on social media. You can find them at @paroquiasaofranciscodeassis. The Secretaria Paroquial is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
The Capela São Francisco de Assis represents faith. It represents the spread of religious orders. It highlights the connection between Brazil and the United States. It stands as a testament to the Conventual Friars’ dedication. It is their enduring legacy in Latin America. As we continue our tour let’s remember the Capela São Francisco de Assis. It is a beacon of faith and history in Vigário Geral.