Basilica of the Eternal Divine Father

The Basilica of the Eternal Divine Father, also known by its Portuguese name Basílica do Divino Pai Eterno or the Basilica of the Divine Eternal Father, is a significant Catholic shrine and a minor basilica situated in the city of Trindade, within the state of Goiás, Brazil. Its unique distinction lies in being the sole minor basilica worldwide explicitly dedicated to God the Father.

History and Development

The origins of this sacred site trace back to approximately 1848, when the first humble chapel was erected, initially covered with buriti leaves. Following this, a more substantial chapel was constructed near the Barro Preto creek, where a miraculous image was discovered. By 1876, a third chapel had been built. The first Shrine of the Divine Eternal Father, referred to as the "ancient shrine," was inaugurated in 1912 and holds the distinction of being the parent of the Parish of the Trinity.

In 1943, Don Emanuel Gomes de Oliveira, O.S.B., the Bishop of Goiás, designated it as the cornerstone for a new shrine. Despite considerable efforts, the construction work remained incomplete by 1955. In 1957, following the canonical establishment of the Archdiocese of Goiânia, its first ordinary, Archbishop Fernando Gomes dos Santos, presented a project for the construction of the sanctuary. By 1974, the site was sufficiently developed to host the novena and the feast of the Divine Eternal Father.

Renovations commenced in 1994, aimed at elevating the building to the status of "Sanctuary of the Divine Eternal Father." Through the collective contributions of pilgrims and devotees, the temple underwent a comprehensive renovation.

Designation as a Minor Basilica

A significant milestone in the basilica's history occurred in 2006 when Pope Benedict XVI officially elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica, a prestigious designation within the Catholic Church.