Could a simple barracão hold the dreams of a community? Here, before the grand Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo stands, imagine a humble wooden structure. This was the church’s earliest form. In 1960, the area buzzed with anticipation. The decree establishing Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo had been signed. Father José Francisco Bunat was appointed as its first vicar. Before the church was built, Mass took place in a shop on the corner of Rua S. Leonardo. Different priests from nearby parishes would come each Sunday. The Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo slowly began to take shape. On May 23, 1961, the cornerstone was blessed. The first mass held on the church grounds was a campal mass on April 8, 1962. Later that year, on July 29th, the first mass within the unfinished Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo took place. The structure was still under construction, with only a temporary roof. The church wasn’t partially completed until August 11, 1963. The metal framework and tiles were finally in place. The first mass under the new roof was celebrated just days later. Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo continued to evolve. In January 1964, the altar from the original wooden chapel was moved to the main altar of the growing church. By May 1964, daily masses became a regular occurrence. The church continued to grow and serve its community. Even as construction continued around them, the parishioners of Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo found a spiritual home. From a simple barracão to the magnificent structure you see today, the Paróquia São Rafael Arcanjo has always been a place of faith, community, and growth.
General Osório Statue
Here stands General Osório. He is not just any statue. The General Osório Statue embodies Brazil’s intricate relationship with its