Did you know the Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador wasn’t always a grand church? Its story began humbly in the 1980s. Father Or’acio held services in apartments. One such apartment belonged to Mr Manoel Ferreira da Silva. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador’s origins were quite modest.
The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador grew. A need for a proper community arose. Two votes determined the community’s name. Suggestions included Sao Jose Cristo Libertador and Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Cristo Libertador ultimately won. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador had found its identity.
Father Leo Nicolaas Willen Muitjens arrived in 1984. He brought priests from Holland. They began their pastoral work. There was no rectory. The priest lived in an apartment. The Archdiocese bought this apartment. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador was still finding its feet.
Finding a place for Mass proved challenging. Father Leo contacted a neighborhood association. They offered a community center. This served as the first church building. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador was holding services in a former dance hall.
Early masses were at 8 am on Sundays. People arrived as early as 6 am. They unlocked the center. They cleaned. They prepared the makeshift altar. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador community was deeply involved in its own services.
A blue curtain hid the altar. A cross adorned the curtain. Young people monitored the service. They cued the music. Dona Efigenia brought flowers. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador transformed a simple space into a place of worship.
The first Eucharistic ministers were Dona Maria Maia and Auzelia. Early Mass animators included Clemente Paulinho Itamires Vera Graca and Terezinha. Others helped too. Father Leo left quickly after Mass. He also served in Parada de Taipas. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador was just one of his responsibilities.
The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador’s current church came later. It was built with community effort. Only a mason and two laborers were hired. The land was disputed. Neighboring buildings wanted parking. Father Leo navigated this conflict. He secured the land for the Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador.
The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador’s location wasn’t the original plan. Another site was considered. It was near the Pastoral da Crianca. Dona Geralda managed it. The current church stands as a testament to the community’s perseverance. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador is where it is now because of a community effort.
On August 13 1994 the Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador was officially established. Father Leo moved into the rectory. He continued to serve. In 1995 he left. Other priests followed. Each priest contributed to the community’s growth. The Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador continues to thrive.
Today the Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador is a vibrant parish. It has many ministries and pastoral groups. It stands as a testament to the faith and dedication of its community. It’s a rich history. We stand before it today. This is the Pa’oquia Cristo Libertador.