Considered one of the most beautiful churches in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro erected in 1915, the Igreja Matriz São Geraldo, in the Olaria neighborhood, located in the Vicariato Episcopal Leopoldina of the Archdiocese of S. Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, had its cornerstone laid on 23 August 1931 by Mons. Luiz Mariano da Rocha.

The Byzantine style project was designed by the Italian architect Ricardo Buffa, with an area of ​​1000 square meters, with a capacity for 4000 faithful. Bordered by two side corridors, the nave of the Temple is supported by 14 columns that end in arches, in addition to more than 60 distributed stained glass.

The construction work was fully financed by the parishioners. It is curious that in October 1932, with the license of the City Hall, an Amusement Park was created on the ground to raise funds to continue the works.

In the 1960s, the Mother Church was the chosen church in the North Zone to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The altar, for example, which was hitherto in one corner of the Temple, was translated into the center.

The land of the Matrix also counts in the annex with the Parish House, Catechetical and Administrative Center, Parish Hall and Pastoral Space. It is the First Matrix of Leopoldina that originated for the

Archdiocese as many other communities and parishes in nearby neighborhoods as Penha, Ramos, Bonsucesso, Braz de Pina. A Church open 24h doors for everyone!