Brazil is the country with the largest number of Catholics in the world – approximately 182 million people. That is more than any other nation. One of the most impressive expressions of this faith is currently taking shape in the small town of São Miguel Arcanjo, about 180 km from São Paulo. basilicasaomiguelarcanjo.org.br
There, a monumental statue of the Archangel Michael is under construction. When completed, it will stand 70 meters tall – making it the largest Catholic statue in the world.
To put the size into perspective:
- It is nearly twice as tall as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro (38 metres)
- It is significantly taller than the Statue of Liberty itself (46 metres)
- And it will be seven times taller than the largest of the famous Viking swords at Sverd i fjell near Stavanger (10 metres)
With its 70 metres, the Michael statue will clearly be the largest Catholic statue in the world.
The statue depicts the Archangel Michael holding a sword in his right hand and a scale in his left. Made of steel and concrete by Brazilian sculptor Markus Moura, it will also contain a viewing platform at chest height. The project is part of a larger religious complex called Gruta do Arcanjo (Grotto of the Archangel), built on land donated by a local family.
Construction began in 2023, and the first phase (the statue plus the main surrounding buildings) is scheduled for completion in 2026. The construction site is already open to visitors on weekends.
Why is this interesting for us in Norway?
The Archangel Michael is almost unknown among ordinary Norwegians. Many may only recognise the name from churches or schools, but know little about his role as the leader of the heavenly army and the protector against evil. In Brazil, devotion to São Miguel Arcanjo is very strong, and this giant statue will be a powerful and visible sign of that faith.
Already today, even while still under construction, the site attracts pilgrims and visitors every weekend. The statue will depict the Archangel Michael holding a sword in his right hand and a scale in his left, with a viewing platform located at chest height. Made of steel and concrete by sculptor Markus Moura, it is scheduled to be completed in 2026 as the centrepiece of a larger religious complex.
For Norwegian Catholics who travel to Brazil – or who dream of a different kind of pilgrimage – the Gruta do Arcanjo can become a unique destination. It is not just a statue, but an entire religious complex with a church, space for 12,000 people for outdoor Mass, a museum and more.
Perhaps this great construction can also inspire us here at home to rediscover the Archangel Michael – and to ask him for protection for the Church in Norway.
Who is like God?
No one is like God.
