Perhaps you have heard of saints who champion lost causes. Right here stands the Santuário de São Judas Tadeu. It rises majestically in Rio de Janeiro’s Cosme Velho neighborhood. Its story is intertwined with faith and community.
Founded on January 1, 1945, the Paróquia de São Judas Tadeu began humbly. The Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Cardeal Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara, marked his silver jubilee by creating this parish. Its territory was carved from Nossa Senhora da Glória. Father Luís Gonzaga de Campos Góes became the first pastor.
Initially, the parish lacked a proper church. Mass was held in Dr. João Xavier de Brito’s house. Later, services moved to a small chapel. It was dedicated to São Lucas and located near the Casa do Médico. Father Góes inspired devotion to São Judas Tadeu. He raised funds to purchase the Casa do Médico. In 1952, Cardeal Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara laid the cornerstone.
The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu launched campaigns to fund construction. Engineer Alberto Woods Soares initiated the work. Architect Benedito de Jesus Calisto Neto designed the church in 1956. He also designed the Basílica de N. Sra. Aparecida in São Paulo. The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu features Italian marble. It became a place of popular devotion. Especially every October 28.
The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu officially opened in 1968. Cardeal Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara consecrated it. On August 28, 1985, Cardeal Dom Eugênio de Araújo Sales designated it a sanctuary. October 28 is dedicated to São Judas Tadeu.
The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu has a modern design with a circular nave. It accommodates 800 worshipers. The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu also engages in social work. It serves favelas through social assistance and religious education.
A significant relic resides within. The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu holds two bone fragments of São Judas Tadeu. The reliquary mimics a monstrance. It is cross-shaped and covered in glass.
The Santuário de São Judas Tadeu stands near the Corcovado train. Its architecture is striking. Beautiful stained glass adorns the interior. An inviting outdoor area includes a grotto. Here, visitors light candles. They give thanks for graces received. The ambiance offers peace for prayer and reflection.
Pilgrims travel from Belo Horizonte to the Igreja de São Judas Tadeu. They seek blessings. The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu stands as a testament to faith. It shows community spirit in Rio de Janeiro. The Igreja de São Judas Tadeu welcomes all. Come experience its spiritual embrace.