La Salette Shrine in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Details: Written by Translated by Fr. Ron Gagne, M.S. from Brazil web site

The giant statue of Cristo Redentor,
Christ Redeemer, overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro

Since the arrival of Fr. Clement Henry Moussier, M.S., to Brazil in 1902, he desired to establish a Shrine in the National Capital of Brazil at the time. It was a dream that was soon to be fulfilled has not been slow to materialize.

It was thus that, after his first steps in São Paulo, the La Salette mission all who benefit from established itself in Rio de Janeiro. Settling first in the Parish of “Sanco Cristo” (Holy Christ) in 1912, the La Salettes then came to the neighborhood of Catumbi and with him, came the desire to build a Shrine there, dedicated to Our Lady of La Salette. 

It is thus that in April 14, 1914, he founded the Parish under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows of La Salette, a title that would later be shortened to the Parish of Our Lady of La Salette.

In January 20, 1918, Cardinal Arcoverde presided over the Ceremony of the blessing of the cornerstone which text of the Minutes refers expressly “the Blessing of the cornerstone of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of La Salette, who shall serve as center” for the community of Catumbi.

With its gothic style, the tapering shaped tower houses a set of 12 bells brought from Portugal in 1924. Its stained glass windows are from Paris, made by French artist J. Gruber in 1927. The main Altar made of marble dates back to 1934. The Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is without doubt a presence of peace and reconciliation, of beauty and simplicity, of charm and encounter, of prayer and hospitality in the midst of its challenging surroundings.

Tower of the Shrine and Parish Church of Our Lady of La Salette in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Combining its dual function as both of a Parish and Shrine, the pastoral challenge involves the additional needs of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette with its various pastoral needs and extends to caring for six more Chapels that are part of the parish territory.

Rio de Janeiro today, without a doubt is no longer the same as the Fr. Clement Moussier found when he initially arrived here. The district of Catumbi was originally an area for the farming of vegetables, including cabbage and watercress. The area has endured many changes over the course of time.

However, in the midst of all these changes, the missionary challenge of Evangelization continues to be a most challenging task. The devotion, the participation, co-responsibility, and involvement of the laity make the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette a sacred space that shows a welcoming spirit, the care of a reconciler, a place of pastoral service, prophetic proclamation and of the mission of the reconciliation.

View of the Catumby section of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Church of Our Lady of La Salette,  built in 1914, its gothic style, inside and outside, makes this impressive church one of the most beautiful churches in Rio de Janeiro.

Some of the details of the Church La Salette:

• Its tower draws attention from afar. Its bells ring out far and wide.

• As you enter through the main gate into the main church, the immense beauty of the space is captivating. On the left is the Prayer of Our Lady of La Salette. On the right is the memorial plaque to Fr. Clement Mousier, M.S.

• The church’s external staircases in rustic granite lead upward toward heaven. Climbing the stairs outside of the left side you see the image of Our Lady of La Salette weeping.

Main altar in Church of Our Lady of La Salette

The church’s nave is decorated with stained glass windows from France. Its Way of the Cross is rich in details, painted in shades of ivory, honey and gold, giving perfect harmony. In the 1970s the original sacristy was converted into a comfortable gathering space for large celebrations. Its furniture combines durability and harmony with the style. Allowing approximately five hundred people seated, they can participate comfortably. The nave Chapels provide places for meetings and prayer. In the lower level Crypt of the Church, its twelve rooms allow for easy adaptation for pastoral and social works.

View down main aisled

In the Festival Hall, receptions are held for weddings, anniversaries and other events. In the “Fr. Clement Moussier Lounge” many pastoral events involving are held. Even in the parking lot of the Church is used for important feasts.

This church is truly of gathering place for all God’s people and is certainly a center of reconciliation and healing. For historic pictures of our Shrine in Rio de Janeiro, click here.