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Incredible Artistry at Igreija das Chagas do Seraphico Pai Sao Francisco
For someone who has never experienced Rococo art and design, the Igreija das Chagas do Seraphico Pai Sao Francisco is sure to cause at least a few gasps of awe. This church is complemented in its architectural appearance by several nearby buildings – the Convento de San Francisco and the Church of Sao Francisco de Assis – making this one of the most significant examples of the Rococo style in the entire city of Sao Paulo.
As one of the last vestiges of 18th century architecture, the Igreija das Chagas do Seraphico Pai Sao Francisco found its beginnings when Franciscan monks of the Venerable Third Order of San Francisco of the Penance decided to build another church to house the masses of people coming to worship, since Sao Paulo was growing at an exponential rate at this time. The interior and exterior Rococo style is true to the French origins of the design style – each and every room is designed as a complete work of art in itself, even down to the smallest detail.
All the altars in the church are gilded, with most of the original gold remaining where it was first installed. The focus in the architectural design is that of shell-inspired curves and asymmetry, a style that was brand new and unheard of when it first originated. While at first glance, this style of design might appear over the top and simply gaudy, a closer examination reveals that every bit of detail work is done on purpose and for a reason, leading toward the larger picture that leaves no corner unadorned.
Visitation to the Igreija das Chagas do Seraphico Pai Sao Francisco tends to follow a similar schedule to that of the neighboring church of Sao Francisco of Assisi, and visitors would do well to either call the church or one of the adjacent churches in order to find out when mass is held and what would be the best time to come by for a tour of the premises. Located at Largo Sao Francisco, 173 SP, the current Priest has been in place at the Church of Seraphico Pai Sao Francisco for around 11 years, and he has helped to establish the church as a forefront ministry that creates and manages shelters for those living on the streets in Sao Paulo. The “Alliance of Mercy” helps to give people a fresh start.
In October 2007, a mass was celebrated at Igreija das Chagas do Seraphico Pai Sao Francisco in memory of the church’s patron who died 150 years ago, the Brigadier Tobias. His body is buried in the church’s underground crypt, and guests are welcome to visit the crypt at various points throughout the week to make tributes and say prayers for the departed.
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