Dreaming of a church born from gratitude? The Igreja Santa Terezinha stands here. It is more than just a building. It embodies faith and answered prayers.
In 1926 a group was founded to honor Saint Teresa. It was named the Guarda de Honra de Santa Teresinha. The group aimed to thank the young Carmelite for graces received.
The story of the Igreja Santa Terezinha began with a vow. Dom Sebastião Leme was very devoted to Santa Teresinha. He underwent delicate surgery in Switzerland. He attributed his full recovery to her. As thanks, Dom Sebastião vowed to create a parish in her name.
Upon returning from Switzerland Dom Sebastião visited Lisieux. He met with Santa Teresinha’s sister. She was the Superior of the Carmelo. Dom Sebastião asked her to mark a location on a map of Rio de Janeiro. It would be the place for her sister’s church. Sōror Inês de Jesus chose Botafogo near Leme. The Igreja Matriz was built there.
Dom Sebastião entrusted Cōnego Alcidino Pereira with a mission. He also entrusted the Guarda de Honra de Santa Teresinha. Their mission was to buy land for the future Matriz. In 1930 the first plot was purchased.
Dom Sebastião Leme returned from Rome as Cardinal. He initiated the church’s construction. On May 17 1931 he blessed the cornerstone. This took place during a Mass. It was celebrated before an image of the Patron Saint.
Due to Cōnego Alcidino Pereira’s illness, Cōnego Leovigildo Franca took over. He was in charge of the construction. Franca realized the land was too small. He used funds to buy more land.
In 1933 a small temporary chapel was built. Cōnego Franca celebrated Mass there monthly. The Guarda de Honra also met there. Dom Sebastião Leme celebrated Mass at the site. He blessed the start of construction.
Professor Arquimedes Memória became the architect. Firma Construtora Penna e Franca became the builder. In 1934 a second plot of land was purchased. It allowed for Memória’s grand design.
In early 1935 the crypt’s chapel opened to the public. Dom Benedito Alves de Souza consecrated the altar. Sunday services and catechism began.
Dom Sebastião Leme celebrated the First Mass in the Nave. It was still under construction. This happened on July 5 1936. Also in 1936 the Capela Mortuária was inaugurated.
In 1937 the remains of Cōnego Alcidino Pereira were moved. A statue of Sagrado Coração de Jesus was donated to the Matriz. It is now in the Cripta.
In 1938 Padres Antonio da Silveira Pithon and Jorge da Silva Porto were appointed. Four rooms were opened for parish meetings. The Casa Paroquial was inaugurated. Dom Sebastião Leme signed the Decree of Ererção da Paróquia.
In 1939 seven bells were ordered. Only one arrived due to the war. Rich vestments arrived from Paris. Two beautiful ostensórios also arrived.
In 1940 Monsenhor Dr. Leovigildo José da Silveira Franca became the first Pāroco. The Batistério was inaugurated. Dom Benedito Alves de Souza blessed the first bell.
The Igreja Santa Terezinha stands as a testament to faith. Its art deco design and rich history make it special. The stained glass windows and mosaics tell stories. The bell tower calls all to prayer. The Igreja Santa Terezinha is a landmark of faith. It is also a beacon of hope in Rio de Janeiro.