New Santa Rita de Cássia Church Dedicated in Rio's Barra da Tijuca

On Saturday, July 25, a dedication ceremony was held for the newly built Church of Santa Rita de Cássia in Rio de Janeiro’s Barra da Tijuca. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, marking the 40th anniversary of the Parish of Santo Agostinho and Santa Rita de Cássia and coinciding with the close of the 38th Provincial Chapter of the Augustinian Recollect Order.

The new parish complex, located on Avenida das Américas near the Américas Park, Malibu and other condominiums, was designed by architect Edmundo Musa with a Corian façade covering more than 2,000 m² and a total area exceeding 9,000 m². Construction was carried out by TownMaker (Bento Vivacqua) under management by Renta (Fernando Falconi). During the rite the altar and twelve crosses were consecrated, relics of Augustinian saints were placed on the altar, and a LED screen was installed to accommodate those watching from the garden.

The ceremony gathered dozens of Augustinian Recollect priests from Brazil and representatives from Argentina, Spain, Peru and Venezuela, as well as thousands of faithful who attended the nave, mezzanine and outdoor spaces.