Last February 1 was a very special day for the residents of Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), because the feast of the Presentation of the Lord coincided with the opening of the new headquarters of the Santo Agostinho Parish, dedicated to St. Rita of Cássia. Hundreds of faithful participated in the awaited ‘Mass of Presentation of the temple’ in the new parish that has been built under the supervision of the Augustinian Recollects to meet the needs of the community of the Parroquia Santo Agostinho.
The design of the church, the work of the renowned architect Edmundo Musa, stands out for its modernity and the integration of elements of the Augustinian tradition, characteristics that reflect the aesthetics of the buildings erected by the Augustinian Recollects in the region since 1986. But the church is not only impressive for its architecture, but also for the modern lighting and air conditioning installations and the ample parking available for the faithful, which will facilitate their access to the daily celebrations and special events.
The Mass of Presentation, presided over by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Javier Telloand concelebrated by the parish priest Fr. Juanjo Ormazabalbegan with the ‘Procession of the Candles’. As explained by Fr. Juanjo, it was a moment “very beautiful, in which the faithful not only took their seats in the temple, but actively participated in the entrance with the procession. This also symbolized that the community has ‘taken possession’ of its new place of prayer, its new home.” . At the end of the mass, roses were distributed for all those who are experiencing physical, spiritual or temporal difficulties.
One of the highlights of the new church is the replica of the Well of Saint Rita, located next to the main façade, which attracts the faithful as well as tourists and devotees of the saint considered the “advocate of impossible causes”.
Although the consecration of the church is scheduled for the coming months, the new parish building has already opened its doors in what has been called a “soft opening”: “Although there are still some details to be finalized, the church is already ready to receive the faithful and will become a space that unites the community in prayer and faith. It’s exciting, let’s go all out!“ said Fr. From now on, the community will be able to enjoy daily masses at 6:00 p.m., while the final details of the construction are being completed.
