From a humble beginning on a hillside. The Igreja de São Jorge e Nossa Senhora de Fátima stands tall. Its story is one of unwavering faith. It began long before its official establishment as a parish. Devotion to Saint George was already strong in the neighborhood.
Some ladies gathered on a veranda each evening to pray the rosary. A Portuguese gentleman on one of his trips home brought a small statue of Saint George. He gifted it to these women. This devotion spread. A simple chapel was built. It was perched atop a difficult-to-reach hill. 54 narrow steps led to its entrance.
On January 1 1945. Archbishop Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara created 25 new parishes. The Igreja de São Jorge e Nossa Senhora de Fátima was among them. He aimed to better serve the people’s sacramental and Eucharistic communion needs. Reverend Father Carmelo Loréfice was named the first parish priest.
April 22 1945. Reverend Father Fridmendo Schulski arrived. He was the vicar of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. He took possession as the first parish priest of São Jorge. Civil and ecclesiastical authorities were present. So too was the board of the Saint George Devotion.
The growing number of devotees and the graces received through Saint George’s intercession. This led to the need for a larger more accessible temple. The initial plan called for an iron structure and eucatex lining. At Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara’s request. The plan was modified to have a reinforced cement ceiling.
Father Menerval de Andrade became the parish priest on December 25 1955. The construction of the new church faced challenges. Strong rains in 1962 and 1963 caused a landslide. It damaged the new church. The old chapel had to be demolished for safety reasons.
The new Igreja de São Jorge e Nossa Senhora de Fátima was built through community effort. This allowed the municipality to grant it permission to operate. In 1970-71 the plaster ceiling was installed. In 1973 decorative stone facing was added. The church has seen many priests and renovations over the years. Always growing always serving its community.
Today the Igreja de São Jorge e Nossa Senhora de Fátima stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. A symbol of a community’s devotion. It is a beacon of hope and a place where countless stories of faith and community unfold. Its rich history. It is a vibrant reminder of the enduring power of faith.