Hospital Frei Antônio

In 1741, a compassionate act marked the beginning of Hospital Frei Antônio’s long history. Governor Gomes Freire de Andrade, witnessing the plight of 52 lepers living in precarious huts on Praia dos Lázaros, ordered their immediate relocation. This act of mercy laid the foundation for what would become a beacon of hope for those afflicted with leprosy. Initially called the Hospital dos Lázaros, Hospital Frei Antônio’s story is intertwined with the history of leprosy treatment in Rio de Janeiro. After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759, Bishop Frei Antônio do Desterro secured the former Jesuit house, built between 1748 and 1752, as a new home for the lepers. In 1763, the Irmandade do Santíssimo Sacramento da Candelária took over the hospital’s administration, solidifying its role in the city’s healthcare landscape. Hospital Frei Antônio’s journey has not been without its disruptions. With the arrival of the Royal Family in 1808, the building was repurposed as a military barracks. The lepers were transferred to Ilha das Enxadas and Ilha dos Frades in Guanabara Bay, their care continuing under the watchful eye of the Candelária brotherhood. They eventually returned to the hospital in São Cristóvão in 1833. Hospital Frei Antônio underwent a renaming in the 1940s, shedding its former name, Hospital dos Lázaros. This marked a shift towards modern leprosy treatment, with public policies and research initiatives taking center stage. In 1947, the Instituto de Leprologia was established within the hospital’s walls, further cementing its role in combating the disease. In 1978, it housed the Divisão Nacional de Dermatologia Sanitária. The legacy of Hospital Frei Antônio extends beyond its medical function. Its historical significance was recognized with its official tombamento, or landmark status, in 1985. This act of preservation ensures that the story of the hospital, and the people it served, will continue to be told. Today, Hospital Frei Antônio stands as a testament to resilience and compassion, a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs in the fight against leprosy.