St. John's Parish Church is in urgent need of renovation, and Braves organizations in Mass. and Rhode Island are joining forces to raise funds to renovate the building
Nova Sintra, Brava Island, October 12, 2025 (Bravanews) - The Brava community in the diaspora, specifically in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is mobilizing in a joint and urgent effort to raise funds for the requalification of the historic Parish Church of São João Baptista, in the heart of the City of Nova Sintra, Brava Island. The church, a pillar of the island's faith and cultural identity, is in an alarming state of disrepair that requires immediate intervention.
The organizations "Bisca Club", "Miniso de Scola Materna", "Fidju de Djabraba" and "Padre Pio Charities" have announced that they are joining forces to organize a major fundraising event. The initiative aims to collect the resources needed to tackle the church's serious structural problems, which put its preservation at risk.
The situation of the Parish Church of São João Baptista is critical. Reports indicate that "the wood of the roof is falling apart", a clear sign of advanced deterioration that is compromising the entire structure. This problem is compounded by widespread "infiltration" and the presence of "cracks in the walls", highlighting the urgent need for deep structural intervention. As well as correcting the structural faults, the renovation will include "general painting" to restore the building's splendor and dignity.
For one member of the organization, the Parish Church of São João Baptista is not just a place of worship; it is a historical and heritage landmark in the town of Nova Sintra, a symbol of the resistance and faith of the people of Brava. Its degradation is seen by the diaspora as an imminent loss for the island and for Cape Verde's cultural heritage.
In response to this state of emergency, Brava organizations in New England are launching a strong appeal for solidarity from the entire community. The fundraising event is scheduled for November 2, Sunday, starting at 2 PM, Phillips Hall at 51 N. Phillip St, East Providence. Phillip St, East Providence. It is hoped that this initiative will bring together Bravenses, friends of Cape Verde and all those who are touched by the cause, demonstrating the strong sense of community and the unwavering connection of the "Fidju de Djabraba" to their homeland.
The intervention in the Parish Church of São João Baptista is an ambitious but essential project. The organizations involved stress that the presence and contribution of each individual is crucial to the success of this mission, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this religious and cultural heritage. The appeal is clear: the unity of the diaspora is the key to saving one of the most important symbols of Ilha Brava.
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