The construction of the Grotto of São Miguel Arcanjo is progressing, attracting the attention of local residents. People such as Miguel and Diva Pereira Dona Diva have closely monitored the development of the works and frequently visit the site designated for the future Grotto of São Miguel Arcanjo to check on the progress.
Diva commented on the importance of the project, stating: «I was born in São Miguel Arcanjo and have lived here for 50 years. The emotion we feel is because it is something that does not exist here.»
The complex planned to house the grotto will include a church, commercial establishments, restaurants, and a communal area. A highlight of the project is the image of São Miguel Arcanjo, which will be over 70 meters high and, according to those responsible, will be the largest dedicated to the saint in the world.
The concrete structure necessary to support the statue was completed in August of this year. Currently, teams are focused on installing the metal framework that will serve as support for the body of the image.
Technical coordination and motivation
Daniel Corrêa, a civil engineer with more than two decades of experience, is leading this phase. He supervises the work and participated in the construction of the complex driven by his faith. The engineer emphasized: «It is a very great achievement, both personally and professionally, to participate in a project like this. Firstly, because I am already Catholic and very devoted to São Miguel Arcanjo, so it is very satisfying for me to be able to contribute with my technical knowledge and participate in this monument that will remain forever here.»
The conception of the idea came from a group of faithful of the archangel, who joined forces to create a place that would function as a sanctuary for the devotees of the patron saint. The land, which covers approximately 30 thousand square meters, was donated by a family from the city. The financial resources and materials needed to pay the employees are obtained through contributions from those interested in the project.
Márcio Almeida, the basilica's priest, clarified that there are no public funds or parish funds allocated to the work; the CNPJs are distinct. He explained that the money that enters the parish is for pastoral maintenance and evangelization, while the funds destined for the grotto are specific to this undertaking.
Religious commerce and welcoming visitors
While the grotto is not yet complete, the team at the Basilica of São Miguel Arcanjo has set up an area to receive tourists, pilgrims, and devotees. In this location, religious items, such as rosaries, can be purchased, as well as consulting a model illustrating what the Grotto Complex of the Archangel in São Miguel Arcanjo (SP) will look like.
Liliane Sousa, the attendant responsible for public service, guides visitors and shares information about the patron saint. For her, the experience offered transcends work, configuring itself as an act of service to God, performed with deep love. She described the role of service: «The pilgrim comes to us bringing something or looking for something. That is our listening. Listening with affection and love, so that they leave here full of grace and the Holy Spirit. Our work stops being a job and becomes 'serving God'. And we do this with a lot of love.»
Since the work depends exclusively on donations, there is no scheduled date for the completion of the grotto. Father Márcio Almeida expressed his belief that the place will bring countless blessings and a 'life transformation.' He added that the impact will reach not only the city but the entire region, observing a growing flow of pilgrims, which tends to increase with the advancement of construction, generating both spiritual and vital change.
The head of the image of São Miguel Arcanjo is already ready and should be installed in the coming months.