Have you heard of the Jesuits? Their expulsion from Brazil in 1759 significantly shaped the Paróquia de Sant’Anna’s story. The property then transferred to the Portuguese Crown. It became the residence for government advisors.
In 1850, the Solar became the Seminário dos Educandos de Santana. This was a public school. Later in 1875, the state government used the building as a hospital for smallpox patients. After the hospital moved, the “Tramway da Cantareira” occupied the site in 1892. This urban train line in Sāo Paulo set up its workshops there. The old building was vacated in 1894. It then became a barracks for federal troops.
From here, the building’s history intertwines with the Paróquia Sant’Ana. Historical accounts suggest José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva wrote the famous “Dia do Fico” document there in 1822. As renovations began on the deteriorated building, workers found an image of Sant’Ana. It belonged to the old Jesuit chapel. The chapel had already been demolished. Residents took the image to their homes. Devotion to Sant’Ana began to grow.
Responding to popular and clerical demand, Cardinal Joaquim Arcoverde de Albuquerque Cavalcante created the Paróquia Sant’Ana on July 12, 1895. He detached it from the Igreja de Santa Ifigênia. The decree was read at the Paróquia de Santa Ifigênia on July 21 of that year. On Sunday, July 26, the image of Sant’Ana was solemnly moved. It went to the temporary headquarters of the Paróquia Sant’Ana. This was the Santa Cruz chapel in Santana. The feast of Sant’Ana and São Joaquim was celebrated there.
The new parish covered a vast territory. It included all of the city’s current northern region from the Tietê River. It extended up to Guarulhos. The first parish priests included Cônego Antonio Augusto Lessa. Also included were Padres Cândido Correa, Robert Landell, Brás Joaquim Mercadante and Paulo Palermo. In 1904, the Saletine missionaries took over Sant’Ana. They had arrived in Brazil in 1902. It became their first parish in Brazil.
In 1896, the cornerstone was laid for the current church. Construction only began in 1906. This happened under the seventh parish priest, Padre Clemente Moussier. Work stopped in 1914 due to an economic crisis from World War I. It resumed six years later under Padre Fidelis Willi. Under Padres André Duguet and Francisco Amos Connor, the towers were built. Internal finishing and alterations to the high altar were completed. Padre Francisco Amos Connor served as vicar for 20 years. He also worked as a psychiatrist offering support to young people.
Sculptor Artur Pederzoli created several important pieces for the church. These included the image of Sant’Ana on the high altar. He also created the image of Senhor dos Passos and the Via Sacra.
Sant’Ana was the patron saint and protector of the city and Archdiocese of Sāo Paulo. Pope Pius VI declared Sant’Ana as protector and patron of the City and Diocese of Sāo Paulo in 1782. The Paróquia Sant’Ana has always been known for its pastoral services. It also provides social services through CEPHAS. This center for human promotion and social assistance was created in 1938. For over twenty years, the community has offered at least three daily masses. The church remains open from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM depending on pastoral activities.
In 2020, the church was declared a Minor Basilica. This distinguished title highlights its religious significance. As you stand before the Paróquia de Sant’Anna, remember its long and rich history. From a Jesuit chapel to a modern basilica. It remains a testament to faith and community in Sāo Paulo.