The Damaia parish church a testament to faith and community. For forty-two years Father Manuel Lopes served as its pastor. He poured his heart into this place. He sought to build a worthy church for the Damaia community.
Igreja Paroquial da Damaia stands before you. It’s a place of profound spiritual significance. This church in the Amadora area was entrusted to the Redemptorist Fathers. It’s a significant landmark for the local community. Father Lopes’ legacy continues to shape this parish. He considered forgiveness his greatest asset.
The church’s origins trace back to a small temporary chapel. It was built in the 1960s. This was to accommodate the growing Christian community in Damaia. The first Mass in this rudimentary building happened on December 8 1964. In 1966 Damaia along with Buraca and Venda Nova separated from the Amadora parish forming its own vicariate. The Redemptorist Fathers arrived on October 1 1966. They took charge of the burgeoning community. The parish of Santíssimo Redentor da Damaia was officially established on May 1 1969.
As Damaia’s population boomed so did the need for a bigger place of worship. The cornerstone for the current Igreja Paroquial da Damaia was laid in 1971. Its consecration came in 1981. Father Lopes witnessed these transformative changes. He saw the small chapel evolve into the magnificent church that stands before us today.
Beyond the architectural achievements the church has a vibrant community life. The church’s catechism program was a cornerstone of Father Lopes’ ministry. The parish boasts around eighty catechists. They maintain lively and full classes. Music also played an essential role in this parish’s spiritual growth. The parish enjoyed success in various diocesan and vicariate song festivals. The participation was far more important than winning prizes however.
Father Lopes’ dedication extended beyond the church walls. The church and local volunteers support around 118 families in need. The catechism program aids food drives alongside the Banco Alimentar. The church’s ministry reflects Father Lopes’ commitment to his parishioners. He strove to create a community where parents children and grandparents worked together in their faith.
Father Lopes retired in February. He passed the torch to Father Eugênio. Father Eugênio is a Redemptorist priest from Poland. He has extensive missionary experience. His travels included Brazil Ireland and the United States. His global experience brings fresh perspective to the Damaia parish. He understands the importance of lay involvement in the church. He wishes to continue the work of building community here. He will work to reach out to those outside the church.
The Igreja Paroquial da Damaia stands as a beacon of faith hope and community. Father Manuel Lopes’ legacy lives on. His emphasis on forgiveness and collaboration continues to inspire. His successors are building upon a strong foundation. It is a legacy built over decades of dedication. It is a legacy that will surely continue to bless this vibrant parish for many years to come.