Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of São Paulo, the Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado stands as a testament to faith and community. It’s a place where stories intertwine, echoing through the decades since its inception in 1968. The Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado wasn’t simply built. It was proclaimed into existence on a Saturday evening, August 17th, 1968. Bishop Bruno Maldaner, under the authority of Cardinal Agnelo Rossi, declared this sacred space carved from the territories of Sant’Ana de Itaquera Parish. The original heart of the parish, the Nossa Senhora Aparecida chapel, became a cornerstone in this new chapter. The Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado has witnessed a procession of dedicated priests who have shaped its identity. Father Santiago Lumbreras, the first vicar, served until 1973. His departure was shadowed by the looming Chilean coup. Then came Father Marcos Thyssen from Belgium, known for his humor and continuation of the parish’s strong focus on catechism. Father Cláudio Griveau’s tenure was brief. However, Father José Fernandez Alcantara, affectionately known as “Pe. Pepe,” left a lasting impression with his tireless work ethic. He famously performed manual labor himself, even cleaning the church, to avoid burdening his parishioners. He returned to Spain in 1990 to care for his ailing mother. Father Elias Pereira de Melo, a charismatic “man of the people,” fostered a sense of community. He championed various pastoral groups, including health, seniors, prayer, and youth. He envisioned and initiated the construction of the parish’s first event hall and catechism classrooms. Sadly, he passed away in 2002 after a battle with cancer. The Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado continued to evolve under Father José Antonio da Silva. He began the demolition of the old church and laid the groundwork for its modern successor. Father Josmar Santos Gavronski brought renewed energy. He fostered the prayer group, leading to the creation of “Carnival with Cristo,” a Catholic dance event that resonated with the parish’s youth. Since 2005, Father Jalmir Matias de Oliveira has guided the Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado. He oversaw the completion of the new church, fostering unity among the four parish communities through the establishment of a Parish Assembly and community councils. He has championed events like EJC (Youth Encounter with Christ) and ECC (Couples Encounter with Christ), and retreats, strengthening the bonds within the parish. The legacy of the Igreja Católica Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the faith and dedication of its parishioners and the priests who have served them, continuing to serve the community of Cidade A. E. Carvalho.