Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Mangaratiba • Conceição de Jacareí

CENTRO DE CULTURA AFRO-BRASILEIRA ABASSÁ DE OMULÚ

Religious tolerance, culture and citizenship

Pai Nelson Jussuanã is well known in Mangaratiba as the founder of this Center in Conceição de Jacareí, where he has lived for 20 years. There are studies into Afro-Brazilian culture, and social activities on behalf of the local community’s children and young people, in addition to its religious activities.

Pai Nelson was brought up as a Roman Catholic but his vocation for candomblé (a religion originated from Africa) resulted in a call that he only heard reluctantly, but finally accepted, dedicating his life to assisting people and devotedly studying traditional Afro-Brazilian culture.

He welcomes the faithful in his Centro de Cultura only on Mondays, to see what the cowrie shells predict. The ample facilities also serve for cultural activities, which are much valued by Pai Nelson. There are a number of books available for Afro culture studies and research, painting lessons once held by well known artist Messias Neiva and there was even a music school for a long time. Currently there is a musical band and Coral do Abassá, which has performed in several local cultural events.

One such event became history: during the 2013 World Youth Congress, Centro de Cultura Afro-Brasileira received the passage of the Pilgrim Cross and the image of Our Lady, which became the WYC’s sole inter-religious and ecumenical action. The festivities were attended by humble participants and officials, catholic and candomblé worshippers, united under love and religious tolerance. After being received in the cultural center, the procession went on its way to the parish church of N. Sra. da Conceição led by the priest Father Camilo, who has always respected other religions.

Community activities by the center include the June festivities provided by Pai Nelson, who also has a small rural property where he holds sporting and leisure activities for the local population, showing that practicing good deeds is an act of citizenship completely unrelated to religious preferences.

Information