Imagine Rio de Janeiro without Sāo Sebastião. Unthinkable right? Here at the Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos, we delve into a story deeply entwined with the city’s very foundation.
The Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos is more than just a church. It is a repository of Rio’s history. Its story began not here in Tijuca. It began at the Morro do Castelo, the original site of Rio de Janeiro.
Back then, the Igreja de São Sebastião stood tall. The Capuchin friars lived there. But in 1922, progress came calling. The Morro do Castelo was demolished. The church was lost. The friars needed a new home. They found it here in Tijuca, at the Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos.
Construction began in 1928. By 1931, the new Igreja de São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos was complete. The interior design drew inspiration from the Mosteiro de Beuron in Germany. Then, between 1941 and 1942, architect Ricardo Buffa reshaped the facade and created the main altar.
But the Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos holds treasures from the original church. The stone marker that commemorates Rio’s founding with the Portuguese shield is here. The original image of São Sebastião is also here. Even the tombstone of Estácio de Sá, Rio’s founder, is preserved within these walls.
Estácio de Sá founded Rio in 1565. He chose São Sebastião as the city’s patron saint. The saint is a symbol of faith and resilience. São Sebastião was a soldier martyred for his Christian beliefs. He is often depicted pierced with arrows. Cariocas celebrate his feast day every January 20th.
The Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos is the starting point for the annual procession. The procession winds through Rio’s streets. It passes the Catedral Metropolitana. It ends at Praça do Russel. There, actors perform the story of São Sebastião’s life.
In 1947, the church became a parish. Frei Jacinto de Palazzolo became the first pastor. The Capuchin friars were entrusted with the historical relics.
Stepping inside the Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos is a journey through time. You connect with the origins of Rio de Janeiro. You honor the legacy of São Sebastião. You understand the enduring faith that shaped this city. The Paróquia São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos stands as a testament to Rio’s past. It also shines as a beacon of hope for its future.