Dreams of a hat-shaped church once echoed through Maria da Graça. Today we stand before Igreja Maria da Graça. It’s a testament to faith and community.
Back in 1952 a new parish was born. Father Romil Rolim was tasked with leading it. He had no church. His mission began humbly. The first mass was held in a butcher shop. Imagine that scene.
For six months, masses moved from street corners. Then a kind merchant offered space for the image of the patron saint. Later, services found a home in a rented house. Slowly, groups like the Young Workers Movement began to form.
In April 1952, Dom Jaime de Barros Câmara officially created the parish. The following month Father Romil Rolim was appointed its first pastor. He was officially in charge.
The community purchased land in 1952. This was for their future church. Dom Jaime laid the cornerstone on November 22, 1953. More land was acquired in January 1956.
Construction began in June 1956. The architectural design was a gift from engineer Contardo Bonicelli. A special day arrived on January 8, 1957. The image of Nossa Senhora das Graças was moved to the unfinished church.
Initially, a cinema and parochial school were built. These served as spaces for celebrations and gatherings. They also worked as spaces for religious education.
Father Romil remained at Igreja Maria da Graça until 1992. He shaped the church’s historical development. In 1993, Father Claro Antonio Jácomo took over. He renovated the parish house. Father Barnabé da Cunha arrived in 1998. He oversaw many improvements including construction of the bell tower.
Legend says Father Romil dreamed of a unique church. It would be shaped like Santa Catarina Labouré’s hat. She saw Our Lady in France. Many doubted he could achieve it. Yet here stands Igreja Maria da Graça. It is a testament to his vision.
In 2022, the parish celebrated its 70th anniversary. The milestone was marked with a special mass. Bishop Jeremias Antônio de Jesus presided over it. Father Jackson Tavares de Figueiredo concelebrated.
During the celebration Father Jackson spoke of Father Romil’s dream. He wanted to build the grand matriz of Nossa Senhora das Graças. He also spoke of the community’s dream. It was to have an image of Santa Catarina. That dream came true in 2021.
Children from the Catechesis brought old photos. They showed the community’s early years. The photos stirred emotions. Dom Jeremias compared the anniversary to a wedding. He called it their Wine Jubilee. It was like the wine at the Wedding at Cana.
Father Jackson prayed for deceased benefactors. He also prayed for former priests. These included Father Romil, Father Osmar Mapeli, and Father Carlos Pereira de Albuquerque. He even prayed for Father Claro Antônio Jácomo.
After the mass, Dom Jeremias blessed ongoing work. This work happened on land next to the church. Parishioners shared a large cake. The pastor filled it with homemade dulce de leche.
Today Igreja Maria da Graça stands as a beacon. It symbolizes perseverance and devotion. It is a place where dreams took shape. It is a landmark in the heart of Maria da Graça.