Perhaps you have noticed the simple cross atop that small hill. That cross marks the spot where the story of the Comunidade Nossa Senhora da Glória began. This story is set in the Guaianases neighborhood of São Paulo. It is a tale of faith community and service.
In 1955 a humble cross was erected. It stood on the highest point of a small hill. In the years that followed a wooden school was built on land donated by a company. Weekends saw celebrations of the Word within this space. Slowly a place of prayer formed.
Then in 1976 the Movimento da Legião de Maria founded the Comunidade Nossa Senhora da Glória. The first church was built under the guidance of Padre Eduardo. More than a leader he provided essential social services. He helped the region’s struggling families. Interestingly the community was almost named Nossa Senhora Aparecida. However Padre Eduardo suggested Nossa Senhora da Glória. He felt the other name was already common in nearby parishes.
The Comunidade Nossa Senhora da Glória held its first mass on August 15 1976. About 500 people attended. Because there was no building large enough the service was held outside. The first confirmation mass was given by Dom Angélico Sândalo Bernardino. He was an auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of São Paulo. Seeing the large crowd he declared this place has life.
In 1980 Padre Hélio Lopes Campos became the community’s leader. He remained until his death on November 14 2000. Diácono Manoel Martins Peres arrived on January 12 1998. He was ordained a priest in June of the same year. He stayed with the parish until July 2017. In August 2017 Padre Francisco das Chagas Germano Santiago took over.
The Comunidade Nossa Senhora da Glória became a parish on August 15 1998. Dom Fernando Legal made it official. In 2018 the parish celebrated its 20th anniversary. A special video was posted on Facebook. It told the parish’s history. In 2020 the Somos Igreja campaign relaunched the video on YouTube. The update addressed the pandemic.
Today the Matriz Nossa Senhora da Glória has many active groups. They have different focuses. The Comunidade Nossa Senhora da Glória also includes smaller communities. These are São José Operário Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora São Geraldo Majella and Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
The Comunidade Nossa Senhora da Glória stands as a testament. It shows how faith service and community can grow from humble beginnings. From a simple cross on a hill a vibrant parish was born. It continues to serve and inspire.