João Monlevade council moves historic church renovation to heritage board

Council president Fernando Linhares (Podemos) reported that the renovation project for the São José Operário church and the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes grotto in João Monlevade was presented to Mayor Laércio Ribeiro (PT) for an update. The structural plan will be submitted to the Municipal Heritage Council for approval, allowing the works to continue if accepted.

The first phase, the grotto restoration, has begun with workers removing floor blocks and collecting statues of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette for restoration. The second phase will address the interior of the church itself. Built between 1942 and 1946 by the former Companhia Siderúrgica Belgo‑Mineira, the church is the world’s only V‑shaped temple, symbolizing Christ and the Allied victory in World War II, and is protected as municipal heritage, requiring council review for any alterations.