Nossa Senhora das Dores

The Paroquia de Nossa Senhora das Dores is a Catholic church located in the heart of the town of Santa Maria in the island of Sal, Cape Verde. This church, with its colonial structure, stands out for its charming combination of sky blue and sea foam green colors, creating a picturesque view that seems to merge with the surrounding sky and ocean. The church is a simple but elegant building, located along the pedestrian street of Santa Maria, where the celebration of mass becomes a very participatory and significant moment for the local community.

Inside, the Paroquia de Nossa Senhora das Dores houses several sacred images, including those of some saints such as Nossa Senhora das Dores, who is the patron saint of the parish, Sto António, S. José and S. João Batista. A special mention goes to the beautiful image of S. João Batista, particularly venerated in the month of June, the period in which popular festivals take place.

The church, also known as Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores or Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in English, is part of the Diocese of Mindelo, and follows the Roman (Latin) rite. It is included in the list of sanctuaries in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, thus demonstrating its religious importance not only for the island of Sal, but for the entire nation of Cape Verde.

The parish community is lively and welcoming, as evidenced by the recent arrival of a new parish priest, Benvindo Rodrigues, who now shares responsibilities with the priest Adriano Baptista, enriching the spiritual life of the community. The Paroquia de Nossa Senhora das Dores is not only a place of worship, but a cultural and spiritual point of reference for the inhabitants of Santa Maria and for visitors to the island of Sal.