Popular Brazilian priest’s new church holds 20,000

November 05, 2012

An estimated 50,000 people attended the inaugural Mass at the Mother of God sanctuary in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. The church, which seats 6,000, has additional standing room for 14,000; an additional 80,000 can stand outside on church grounds.

The church was built by Father Marcelo Rossi, a priest active in the charismatic movement and a Latin Grammy award nominee.

“People want big spaces. They want grand places for prayer," he said. “One candle illuminates, 10 candles illuminate — and 100,000 candles light up so much more.”

 

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Further information:

• Brazil's 'pop-star priest' gets mammoth new stage (AP)