They say Santo Emídio protects against earthquakes floods and heavy rains. That’s a comforting thought standing here before the Paróquia de Santo Emídio. This church in Vila Prudente is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and community spirit.
In 1893 the Falchi brothers Emídio Bernardino and Panfilio built a small chapel. It was dedicated to Santo Emídio. This was in Praça Veiga Cabral. Emídio Falchi a devout follower of the saint imported a beautiful image from Italy for the chapel’s inauguration. The land was donated by the Falchi family. It was intended for the construction of a larger church. The donation was made in the name of the priests of São Carlos who ran the Cristóvão Colombo orphanage.
The Metropolitan Curia noticed the priests’ efforts to continue church construction were insufficient. They decided to appoint a parish priest. This would better serve the Vila Prudentina community. The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.) received the new parish of Santo Emídio. It was officially established on December 8 1939. That was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Four religious priests were sent. Father Damião Kleverkamp became the first parish priest on December 31 1939.
The original chapel was too small. A new one opened at Rua Oito 285. Father Damião founded the Vila Prudente Workers’ Circle (now the Christian Workers’ Circle). This was to support the workers. In 1941 the Workers’ Circle school (now Colégio João XXIII) opened. Construction started on the new church in Praça Jequitay (now Praça Padre Damião). The parish hall opened in August 1942. Franciscan Sisters of São José joined in 1943. They worked at the parish and with the Workers’ Circle.
Father Venâncio Hulselmans contributed greatly. He helped build the church and the Workers’ Circle headquarters. He also composed the hymn to Santo Emídio. Father Damião the first parish priest became ill and was transferred to Rio de Janeiro. He died in 1947. The first mass in the new church was held at Christmas 1947.
The Paróquia de Santo Emídio was Vila Prudente’s first parish. It pioneered many ministries and movements. It helped establish these in other parishes in the region. It continues its mission in a rapidly transforming Vila Prudente. The metro new buildings and commerce are changing the neighborhood. May God’s presence continue through each of us. May the values of the Kingdom build our Vila Prudente and São Paulo.