Matriz Paroquial São Vicente de Paulo

In a city teeming with history, the Matriz Paroquial São Vicente de Paulo stands as a testament to faith and community. The Matriz Paroquial São Vicente de Paulo wasn’t always the grand structure you see today. Its story began on a January day in 1940, when Archbishop José Gaspar planted a seed of faith in the Moinho Velho neighborhood. He entrusted this seed to the Lazarists, the sons of Saint Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of charity. The parish was officially installed on August 11th of the same year. Father Manuel Gonzalez celebrated the first parochial mass on an improvised altar in Moinho Velho Square. Archbishop Gaspar visited the burgeoning parish on October 19th. The next day, the first fruits of their labor were harvested. 117 children received their First Communion in a temporary chapel on Via Anchieta. Recognizing the community’s needs, Father Gonzalez invited the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul to join the mission. They established the first school and began visiting the poor and neglected. The Apostolate of Prayer was formed, rallying dedicated individuals to the cause. Under the red banner of the Sacred Heart, a group of women dedicated themselves to prayer. Inspired by their elders, young women formed the Association of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. They rallied under the blue mantle of Mary, becoming pillars of the parish. On January 19, 1941, the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul was founded, continuing the mission of charity to the needy. The dream of a permanent church building became a shared aspiration. On January 26th, Archbishop Gaspar blessed the cornerstone of the future Matriz Paroquial São Vicente de Paulo in Moinho Velho Square. The marble stone, a symbol of hope and a new beginning, was donated by Francisco and Luiza Paternost. Many dignitaries and community members attended the ceremony. The Matriz Paroquial São Vicente de Paulo stands as a tribute to their faith, dedication, and the enduring spirit of the Moinho Velho community.