From Messianism to Traditionalism in Nova Iguaçu (1982–2002): Catholic Experiences in the Periphery of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This article examines how historical inheritance and collective memory influence popular support for Traditionalist Catholicism on the outer fringes of Rio de Janeiro state. Drawing on qualitative research that integrates historical and sociological approaches, we explore the transformations within the Catholic landscape of Nova Iguaçu, particularly in the Riachão neighborhood. Here, believers experienced a distinct form of Catholic life under Father Valdir Ros’s ministry from 1982 to 1994, laying the groundwork for Catholic Traditionalism to establish, endure, and expand locally. Beyond analyzing power struggles over religious capital and the reshaping of the local Catholic scene, we highlight local, cultural, and religious identities as vital factors for understanding Traditionalism in Nova Iguaçu as a fluid practice with multifaceted meanings.