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BRAZIL: New life for old monastery as theological education centre opens
By John Newton
A priest celebrating Mass in Brazil
Demand for education in the Christian faith from people in Brazil has paved the way for the transformation of one of the country’s most historic Church buildings.
The Benedictine monastery in João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba state, north-east Brazil, is being developed into the Archdiocesan Formation Centre, with help from Aid to the Church in Need of just under £20,000.
The monastery was founded in 1596, and ranks as one of the oldest colonial buildings in the country. The adjoining church was built in 1724.
Aid to the Church in Need received a report on the project’s progress earlier this month when Archbishop Aldo Pagotto and Monsignor Neuredo Henrique from the Archdiocese of Paraíba visited the charity.
The church authorities worked closely with government officials to ensure the heritage of the monastery was not lost during the building work.
Now that these issues have been resolved, redecoration is underway and the work is due for completion by the end of October.
Archbishop Pagotto stressed the need for the formation centre in the local Church, especially for the laity.
An Aid to the Church in Need report following the archbishop’s visit stated: “Archbishop Pagotto emphasised an increase of enthusiasm for formation to enable the faithful to have a deeper experience of God.”
Part of the formation centre has already been completed and is home to the diocesan minor seminary – where the candidates for priesthood are prepared for one year before entering the major seminary.
These studies are led by a priest from Comunidade Doce Mãe de Deus (Community of the Sweet Mother of God).
This is a 20-year old community that grew out of Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which brings together laity, clergy and religious for pastoral work and evangelisation.
Fifteen young students started formation in the diocese this year, and, after a rigorous selection, nine of them will be going forwards to study at the major seminary.
Aid to the Church in Need has given more than £12,000 in aid for the formation of 34 major seminarians in the diocese during 2009.
The monks left the monastery in João Pessoa in 1921 but its building has been used by several Catholic groups since then.
Prior to its renovation the monastery was used, among other things, by liberation theology groups who promoted radical left-wing parties.
Archbishop Pagotto wants to take advantage of the renovation to use the building for religious formation and to strengthen the new evangelisation.
The Church in Brazil is one of the highest recipients of Aid to the Church in Need assistance. Last year, the charity provided more than £3.5 million to help the Church there.