Parish of Our Lady of Light (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia)
| Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Luz | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Our Lady of Light |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia |
| Deanery: | |
| Address: | Largo da Mariquita, s/n, Rio Vermelho, Salvador, BA 41940-380 |
| Coordinates: | -12.9378, -38.3833 |
| City: | Salvador, BA |
| Subdivision: | Bahia |
| Country: | Brazil |
| County: | |
| Website: | No website specified |
| Founded: | 1700s |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | |
Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Luz (Parish of Our Lady of Light) is a territorial parish in the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia, located in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title "Nossa Senhora da Luz" (Our Lady of Light)—an invocation portraying Mary as the bearer of Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12), and associated with illumination, guidance, and protection—the parish church is a historic colonial structure overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The church dates to the eighteenth century, with construction beginning around 1720 and reflecting the devotional landscape of colonial Salvador. It is protected as national heritage by IPHAN. As of December 15, 2025, the parish continues to serve the local community with regular liturgies and devotions, including celebrations tied to the feast of Our Lady of Light, traditionally observed on February 2 in some contexts or locally designated dates.
The title "da Luz" emphasizes Mary's role in bringing divine light to humanity through her fiat and motherhood.
History
The church of Nossa Senhora da Luz in Rio Vermelho traces its origins to the early eighteenth century, with records indicating construction initiated around 1720 by the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora da Luz.[1]
The devotion reflects Portuguese Marian traditions brought to Brazil. The exact date of canonical erection as a parish cannot be confirmed from publicly available sources, though it functions as an established historic parish in Rio Vermelho.
Protected as national heritage by IPHAN, the church has undergone restorations to preserve its colonial features.
Special features
- Scenic coastal location in Rio Vermelho, a neighborhood known for cultural and religious vibrancy
- Patronal devotion to Our Lady of Light, invoking Mary's intercession for spiritual enlightenment
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, built in the eighteenth century, exemplifies colonial baroque architecture with a simple yet elegant façade and interior ornamentation typical of Bahian religious buildings.
It is protected as national heritage by IPHAN.
Art and devotional features
The interior includes colonial altarpieces and imagery focused on the patroness, Our Lady of Light, often portrayed with symbols of illumination such as rays or holding the Child Jesus as light.
Specific details on particular artworks or sculptures are limited in publicly available sources.