There is no one who passes through the district of Campos Elíseos, central region of San Paulo, who does not know the imposing Sagrado Coração de Jesus Shrine which welcomes with open arms the population of the area and the workers who cross the region daily with open arms.
Opened on 17 November 1901, entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco, the church is considered a centre for spreading faith and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This year the solemnity, which will take place on 16 June, was prepared by the parish community on the theme "Heart of Jesus: House of God and Gate of Heaven".
Among the activities will be the Rosary of Mercy, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions, sports activities with young people from Salesian Youth Ministry and missionary activity in the Moinho favela.
In addition to this, there will also be some spiritual opportunities with priests from the episcopal see, led by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Paolo, Bisop Rogério Augusto das Neves.
The Shrine is undergoing a process of pastoral renewal due to the new houses and commercial activities that have spread through the region and the project of revitalisation of the city centre.
Currently there are a total of 75 children, teenagers, young adults and adults preparing for the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation in the catechesis group alone, with a waiting list of about 20 people. Families are also included in the catechetical process, through monthly meetings.
Confessions, baptisms and attendance at Masses have also increased, especially among those who work in the area. They are often looking for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, in addition to times of Adoration. Hence the hours and availability for participation have been extended.
Another significant activity is assistance to families in vulnerable situations, which has been intensified. Visits to wards in the Pérola Byington Women's Hospital, which is located a few metres from the Shrine, are now made on a weekly basis.
For Fr Alcy Maurício, the parish priest of the church, the mission of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to spread this devotion and welcome the entire community of Campos Elysées:
The presence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in this place represents the presence of Christ the Good Shepherd, the Christ who, in the midst of so many situations of loss of meaning in life, keeps his arms open. The Christ who has always been with the poorest. Here we are responding to the Church's call to be an outgoing Church. We have witnessed and announced how beautiful it is to configure our heart to the Heart of Jesus. We are who we should be.”
The result of the efforts of people like Don Veridiana Prado and Count Prates, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in San Paolo is the oldest classical-Renaissance style church in the city. The church is 52 metres long, and 62 metre tower was considered to be one of the highest points in the city back in 1922.
Communications Office of the San Paolo Province, Brazil
