Guaratinguetá, located in the interior of São Paulo, is prepared to receive faithful and visitors during the weekend in commemoration of Frei Galvão Day, which occurs on October 25th. This date is dedicated to honoring the first saint born in Brazil.
The special program includes masses, musical performances, and a procession. Additionally, the city has places dedicated to the memory of the religious figure, such as the Frei Galvão House, located downtown.
Antônio de Sant’Anna Galvão was born in Guaratinguetá on May 11, 1739. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, being recognized by the Catholic Church as the first native Brazilian to achieve this status of saint.
The Frei Galvão House functions as a preservation site, keeping objects, images, and relics related to the religious figure's life. This space also contains the Hall of Miracles, where devotees record thanks and requests for graces received.
Furthermore, Guaratinguetá has the Frei Galvão Sanctuary, which attracts pilgrims and is part of the municipality's religious tourism circuit.
Celebration Program
The commemorative activities began on Saturday (24th), including masses and shows. On Sunday (25th), Frei Galvão Day, the schedule features various religious celebrations throughout the day, in addition to a solemn mass, luminous procession, and shows.
Saturday Program (24th)
- At 1:00 PM: performance by the Cordas de Assis group
- At 3:00 PM: novena mass with Father Omar Raposo
- At 5:00 PM: show by Father Omar Raposo
- At 6:00 PM: screening of the documentary 'Terra de Santa Cruz'
- At 7:00 PM: novena mass with Father Ricardo Rodolfo Silva
- At 9:00 PM: show by Luana Camarah
Sunday Program (25th) — Frei Galvão Day
- At 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM: Eucharistic celebrations
- At 10:00 AM: solemn mass with Dom Mário Antônio da Silva
- At 12:00 PM: Eucharistic celebration
- At 1:00 PM: show by Flora
- At 3:00 PM: Eucharistic celebration
- At 4:30 PM: show by the Ir ao Povo group
- At 6:00 PM: luminous procession
- At 7:00 PM: Eucharistic celebration
- At 9:00 PM: show by Talis and Welinton
Service Information:
Frei Galvão House: Located at Rua Frei Galvão, 78, Centro, Guaratinguetá.
Frei Galvão Sanctuary: Located at Avenida José Pereira da Cruz, 53, Jardim do Vale, Guaratinguetá.