History and Culture
Gregorian chants of the Benedictine nuns is a unique experience
Mosteiro do Salvador. Coutos, Salvador, Bahia. Foto: Amanda Oliveira.
The Savior Monastery was born when the Benedictine Congregation of Brazil celebrated 150 years of existence. Cardinal Primate of Brazil, D. Avelar Brandão Vilela, asked Mrs. Abadessa Luzia Ribeiro de Oliveira OSB, from the Belo Horizonte Monastery for a foundation in Salvador. In 1977, were chosen for the foundation in Bahia: Mother Joana Calmon Villas-Bôas, Prioresa; Sister Pia, Sr. Marta Beatrice, Sr. Vera Lucia and Sr. Ivone, this last one being a nun of the Congregation of the Queen of Apostles, to help the foundation. The group chose for their monastery the name of Savior Monastery, which patronal feast is celebrated on August 6, “The Lord’s Transfiguration”.
The Savior Monastery was initially in Brotas until, in 1981, it moved to Coutos, a region of Salvador’s rail suburb where it still lives. There, one can experience the Gregorian chant accompanied by the sound of the zither, created to express the words of Holy Scripture. This age-old tradition resonates even today in new and old ways, an exciting and unforgettable experience.
Many people also seek the monastery for spiritual retreats, having a great hostel. The monastery supports the service of human promotion through the St. Francis of Assisi Association, which is run by lay people for the needy community. To top it off, there is a very European-style pine grove.
Our Lady of Good Hope of the Navigators
Mosteiro do Salvador. Coutos, Salvador, Bahia. Foto: Amanda Oliveira.
Our Lady of Good Hope of the Navigators is an ancient devotion of the Coutos suburb region. It used to be an old chapel in front of the monastery that has been destroyed over time by the tide. It was marked by religious syncretism (intersection of Catholicism with Afro-Brazilian worship). In the past, there was a procession every year in which fishermen accompanied the image of the Saint to Ribeira and returned to Coutos. A gentleman known as Mr. Dondon was responsible for this chapel.
When it was destroyed, the image was taken to the house of Mr. José and Mrs. Vanda, residents of the region. It spent about 20 years there, when, at the request of the residents and intervention of people linked to the monastery, the image returned to the Church of the Savior Monastery (Benedictine nuns). On September 8, 1983, the image of Our Lady of the Good Hope of the Navigators was conducted by Mr. Dondon’s family and by the local people, in a procession with fireworks, angels and great emotion.
End the visit by going to the shop. The nuns produce the traditional Bricelet and the Bricelet Cocktail (salty), a crisp, light and delicate handmade cookie made in a Swiss or German machine, which follows a traditional Swiss recipe with selected ingredients. It is a work done by the nuns since 1977, the year of the Savior Monastery founding. They also make delicious “Premium Jellies” in 17 flavors such as guava, tangerine mango, strawberry with wine, apple with cinnamon, acerola with pepper, among others.
Service
Savior Monastery
Afrânio Peixoto Avenue, no number – Coutos, Salvador – BA, 40750-090. Opening hours: Every day from 7h to 17h.
Phone #: (71) 3521-1802
Parking. Hostel. Social work.
Website: http://www.mosteirodosalvador.org.br/.
In the church of the Savior Monastery, the community meets five times a day for the celebration of the Divine Office and Eucharist, always open to the participation of those who arrive.
To order the cookies and jellies: whatsapp (71) 98288 5253 or saboresmonasticos@mosteirodosalvador.org.br
It receives people interested in the itinerary “Experience of the Catholic Faith”. More information at this link.
