“Around 1955, it all began” is how they say it. The story of Paróquia São João Bosco starts humbly. Back then it was called Oratório Casa Dom Bosco.
Today we’re standing before the Paróquia São João Bosco. It serves a large community. It reaches almost thirty thousand people. This includes Alto da Lapa, parts of Alto de Pinheiros, Boaçava, and part of Lapa.
The community played a vital role from the start. They helped raise funds to build the first chapel. It replaced a small chalet. This chalet had been used as a makeshift space for the Oratório Festivo. As the chapel grew in popularity so did the community. It became an important part of the neighborhood.
Recognizing this growth the Archbishop of São Paulo, Cardeal Dom Ângelo Rossi, made a decision. He elevated the community to a parish. It was detached from the Parish of São João Batista in Vila Ipojuca. The responsibility was given to the Salesians of Dom Bosco. Their mission was to focus on the education of young people. The founding act of the Paróquia de São João Bosco do Alto da Lapa was signed on October 8, 1965.
The Salesians of Dom Bosco from the Instituto Teológico Pio XI took permanent charge. Padre Essetino Andreazza became the first parish priest. He led the community for six years. The SESI school next to the chapel was annexed to the new parish. It served 186 students. Adult literacy courses were also offered.
The new parish celebrated masses and enjoyed all the rights and privileges. It maintained its own records. These included books for baptisms, marriages, and general community events.
The services became so popular that the new chapel quickly became too small. So the community started planning again. They wanted to build a larger temple. It would be more suitable for the growing needs of the region. The vision was to create the first church in the highest part of the city. It would be specially designed for modern liturgical practices.
The original construction project faced many obstacles. A second project was developed. It was adapted to the terrain. This led to the church we see today. Many details were added to the new church that weren’t in the original plans. The building was innovative for its time. Students from USP often visited to study its advanced design.
The new church was officially opened on August 28, 1977 at 10 a.m.. However, it was still unfinished. It lacked a sacristy, confessionals, lighting, a sound system, a tabernacle, an awning in front of the doors, and interior wall coverings. These features were completed later.
Images of Dom Bosco and Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora arrived from Italy on May 27, 1978. This coincided with a vigil of prayers and songs in praise of Our Lady.
Today, the Paróquia São João Bosco is actively involved in evangelization. It has over forty groups. It also serves the communities of Nossa Senhora da Esperança and Mãe Rainha. It supports the chaplaincies of the Instituto Anjo da Guarda and Instituto Teológico Pio XI. Around 1,500 worshipers attend weekend services.
The story of Paróquia São João Bosco reflects faith. It shows community spirit and architectural innovation. It is a landmark that continues to evolve. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dom Bosco.