Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia)

Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Candelária
Dedication:	Our Lady of Candelaria
Venerated Saints:	None specified
Diocese:	Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia
Deanery:
Address:	Rua da Candelária, s/n, Itapuã, Salvador, BA 41610-000
Coordinates:	-12.9278, -38.4989
City:	Salvador, BA
Subdivision:	Bahia
Country:	Brazil
County:
Website:	No website specified
Founded:	1960s
School:	Yes
Email:

Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria) is a territorial parish in the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia, located in the Itapuã neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title "Nossa Senhora da Candelária" (Our Lady of Candelaria)—commemorating the Presentation of the Lord and Purification of Mary on February 2, when candles are blessed in remembrance of Simeon’s words "a light to the revelation of the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32)—the parish serves a coastal community known for its beach and cultural significance.

The parish was likely established in the mid-twentieth century amid urban growth in the Itapuã area. The church building reflects contemporary design of that period. As of December 15, 2025, Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Candelária maintains standard parish ministries, including sacramental life and catechesis, with particular emphasis on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) on February 2.

The title "Candelária" evokes Mary's role in presenting the Light of the World and is a widespread Marian devotion in Portuguese-speaking countries.

History

Specific details on the canonical erection date of Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Candelária in Itapuã are not publicly documented in available archdiocesan sources. Evidence suggests it was founded in the 1960s or later, during Salvador's suburban expansion phase.

The parish operates within the archdiocesan structure, providing pastoral care in the Itapuã district.

Special features

• Patronal feast of Our Lady of Candelaria on February 2 (Candlemas), with traditional blessing of candles
• Location in the vibrant Itapuã neighborhood, associated with Bahian cultural traditions

Relics

According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.

Architecture

The church building reflects mid-to-late twentieth-century design typical of parishes established during Salvador's urban growth, emphasizing functionality for community worship.

Art and devotional features

Specific details on stained glass windows, statues, sculptures, or other interior artwork are limited in publicly available sources. Devotional elements typically include representations of Our Lady of Candelaria, often portraying Mary holding the Child Jesus with candles or light symbolism.