A humble capelinha once stood here. This is the Paróquia Bom Jesus dos Passos. Its story began not in grand cathedrals but in a small chapel. Around 1928 a tiny 2×3 meter structure existed. It was called the Capela Santa Cruz dos Britos. The Britos family built it. They were thanking God for a blessing. The community gathered there. Families took turns leading prayers each month. Every first Sunday they prayed. This continued until 1931 when the first Santa Cruz celebration happened.
The Paróquia Bom Jesus dos Passos grew. It started as a simple place of worship. The original chapel became too small. The community replaced it with a larger one. This new chapel measured only 12 square meters. It stood on an 80 square meter plot. The land was sold. A man named Mr. José Torres wanted to demolish it. He planned to build a new chapel uphill. The residents protested. Led by the Oriente family they fought. They saved their beloved chapel. It stayed where it always was.
Father Agnaldo was the first priest. He celebrated Mass in the little chapel. Father José Colaço followed. He led a movement to buy the neighboring land. The chapel expanded further. It was demolished and rebuilt bigger around 25 square meters. Because Father José disagreed with the Vatican II liturgical recommendations he was replaced by Father Noé. Father Noé established the first Parish Council.
The council raised funds to expand again. They added the old nave. They founded the Association of Ladies of Charity. A Catholic League “Jesus Maria and Joseph” also formed. Seminarians taught catechism classes. The name Paróquia Bom Jesus dos Passos was chosen. It came from a Bom Jesus dos Passos image. The image was from the Freguesia do Ó church. It was brought to this chapel. On May 23 1975 the chapel was elevated to a parish. This is the Paróquia Bom Jesus dos Passos today a testament to faith persistence and community spirit.