Decades of devotion echo within these walls. Here stands the Santuário Sagrado Coração de Jesus. This sanctuary is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith. It is a landmark in São Paulo.
The story of the Santuário Sagrado Coração de Jesus begins in 1878. A group within a São Vicente de Paulo conference wanted to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Domingos Gonçalves Carregaza offered land near Morro do Chá for a chapel.
The bishop Dom Lino Deodato did not approve this location. He desired a better place to honor the Sacred Heart. The vicentinos sought a new location. They found land in Campos Elíseos. This area was planned by Swiss entrepreneurs. It was intended for coffee barons’ mansions.
The church’s foundation stone was laid on June 24 1881. Cónego Jeronimo Pedroso de Barros suggested adding a school. He thought a school would improve the church’s use and care.
In 1885 Salesian priests arrived in São Paulo. They were disciples of Dom Bosco. They took over the church’s direction and the school. The Salesians greatly influenced the church’s design. It was built in the Roman basilica style. This neo-Renaissance style was popular in Europe at the time.
The main altar is made of Carrara marble. It was brought from Turin Italy. Dona Veridiana da Silva Prado donated it. She also provided the statue of the Sacred Heart. It sits atop the tower and is visible from afar. Countess Pereira Pinto Veridiana’s daughter funded the tower’s construction. It was inaugurated in 1901.
Inside the Santuário Sagrado Coração de Jesus a Florentine artist created panels and frescoes. This artist preferred to remain anonymous. Forty Bohemian crystal chandeliers adorn the church.
During the Paulista Revolt of 1924 the church suffered damage. Revolutionary troops tried to shell the Palácio dos Campos Elíseos. This was the old government headquarters near the Salesian Lyceum. Three grenades hit the church. Father Luiz Marcicaglia director of the Lyceum made a promise. He vowed to build another church in honor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. This was if the students were protected. No major harm occurred so the promise was kept. The other church was later built in Santana.
The Santuário Sagrado Coração de Jesus has three naves. Numerous side altars were used simultaneously. Many priests at the college celebrated at least one mass each day.
The stained-glass windows in the main nave depict titles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. One window reads “Ocean of Goodness”. The church is significant in the life of Catholic leader Plinio Correa de Oliveira. He recalled attending Sunday Mass there with his parents. He felt the church’s harmony and sacredness deeply.
Today the Santuário Sagrado Coração de Jesus continues to be a place of worship and reflection. Rede Vida broadcasts masses live from here on the first Friday of each month. The Santuário stands as a symbol of faith art and history in São Paulo. It is a place where hearts find solace and spirits are uplifted.