Capela do Menino Deus, together with the Hospital de Caridade in the background, draw the attention of anyone arriving in Florianópolis. Built on a large plot of land, surrounded by greenery, it maintains the second largest collection of religious art in Florianópolis and its history is marked by conquests, beliefs and tragedies.
It all started when Joana de Gusmão - blessed who was born in Santos, distributed her goods and joined the Third Order of Penitence - won the land located on a hill to build the Chapel that would house the image of the Child God. In 1762 the work was finished and Joana, who was known for her charities, built her house next door, setting up a school for girls.
In 1764, the Chapel housed the image of the Lord Jesus of the Steps. This sculpture, made in wood by Francisco das Chagas, shows life-size Jesus Christ carrying the cross. All articulated, with glass eyes, clothes and natural hair, she impresses with her realism. Sculpted in Bahia, she should go to Rio Grande do Sul. But, according to oral tradition, bad weather prevented the ship from reaching its destination three times. This fact led the community to believe that it was God's will for the image to remain in the city, giving rise to the devotion that gave rise to the main religious festival in Florianópolis: the Procession of the Lord Jesus of Passos, which takes place on Passion Sunday. The following year, the Brotherhood of Senhor Jesus dos Passos, which built in 1767 a chapel attached to Menino Deus to house the image of the patron saint.
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Since then, the Brotherhood and the cult of Senhor Jesus dos Passos only increased social works in the city. In the beginning it was free medical assistance provided by one of the brothers to the poor sick. The same patients bought cheaper medicines from another brother. With the increase in demand came the first achievement: the construction of the Santa Casa.
Once again, the facilities were small and a new achievement was made: the laying of the cornerstone for the new building in 1845, with the presence of the Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II and his wife, the Empress Dona Teresa Cristina.
In 1994 the tragedy: a fire with unknown causes destroyed 70% of the building. With the help of the community, the Hospital reopens its doors in the same year.
In 1995, the Senhor Jesus dos Passos Cultural Foundation. Soon, the Foundation promises to open the Farmaco-Hospitalar Museum of Santa Catarina, to be located in the 218th century mansion next to the hospital, as well as the creation of the Menino Deus Ecological Park, to preserve the XNUMX square meters of Atlantic Forest. that remain on the ground.
With a privileged panoramic view of the city center, the land also houses the Cemetery of the Brotherhood of Senhor Jesus dos Passos. Located at the back of the Hospital, it features old tombstones and mausoleums, where historical figures from Florianópolis are buried.
Address: Rua Menino Deus, 376
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