Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado

“Lost in the concrete jungle?” a voice startled me. I turned to see an elderly woman, her eyes twinkling. “Looking for Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado?” I nodded, surprised. She smiled. “Follow the hymns.” The faint sound of singing did indeed guide me closer. Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado materialized before me, a beacon of faith amidst the urban sprawl of São Paulo. This vibrant parish, formally proclaimed on August 17, 1968, stands as a testament to community spirit. The original decree, read by Bishop Dom Bruno Maldaner, carved the parish from the territories of Sant’Ana de Itaquera. The first chapel within the parish boundaries, Nossa Senhora Aparecida, served as a precursor to this larger community. The parish has seen a procession of dedicated priests. Father Santiago Lumbreras, the first vicar, served from 1968 to 1973. He left just before the Chilean coup, returning to his homeland. Father Marcos Thyssen, from Belgium, followed, bringing his cheerful spirit to the parish. Father Cláudio Griveau’s time was short but significant. The hardworking Father Pepe, known for his Spanish accent and refusal to let parishioners do manual labor, led the parish until 1990. He returned to Spain to care for his ailing mother. Father Elias Pereira de Melo, a charismatic “man of the people,” fostered various groups and devotions. He even envisioned the first Parish Hall. Sadly, he passed away in 2002. Father José Antonio da Silva began the demolition of the old church, laying the foundation for the new structure. Father Josmar Santos Gavronski fostered youth engagement, creating “Carnival with Christ.” Father Jalmir Matias de Oliveira, the current priest, continued the church’s construction. He also revitalized community connections through events and formation programs. Paróquia Cristo Ressuscitado stands not just as a building but as a vibrant tapestry woven from the dedication of its priests and the devotion of its community. Look around you. You can almost hear the echoes of their hymns.