Cardinal Orani to elevate Paróquia São Cosme e São Damião to Sanctuary in May 2027

Cardinal Orani João Tempesta will elevate the São Cosme e São Damião Parish in Andaraí to the status of a shrine on May 13, 2027. The Archbishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro announced the approved change during a Mass for the parish patrons on Saturday, September 26.

The elevation will make the church the first shrine in Brazil dedicated to these specific saints. An official decree will be issued to formalize the change, which is intended to establish the site as a place of pilgrimage and devotion to the physician martyrs.