"The Stations of the Cross – An Experience in Bairro Alto" by Abel Varzim

"The Stations of the Cross – An Experience in Bairro Alto" tby Abel Varzim 1st Edition, 2014 Caritas Publishing House 108 Pages A singular and striking work, reflecting his deep concern for others—a hallmark of Father Abel Varzim’s entire life—particularly in confronting the issue of prostitution in Bairro Alto. Fifty years after the death of its patron, the Abel Varzim Forum pays tribute to him through a series of initiatives. Among these stands out the reissue of "The Stations of the Cross", published in partnership with Caritas Publishing House. This singular and striking work reflects his profound concern for others—a defining feature of his entire life. Also included is an excerpt from another text by Father Abel Varzim, entitled "Why Did You Flee, Lord?", which would have formed the opening of a book only published much later. This edition is further enriched by a presentation note authored by Paulo Fontes and a testimony on the impact of Abel Varzim’s life and work upon someone of our time, João Ambrósio. Both are faculty members at the Catholic University. --- Abel Varzim da Cunha e Silva was born in Barcelos, Diocese of Braga, on 29 April 1902, into a deeply Christian family. He completed his philosophical and theological studies at the Conciliar Seminary of Braga and was ordained a priest in 1925. In 1930 he travelled to Belgium to study at the University of Louvain, where he earned a doctorate in Political and Social Sciences. In Louvain he associated with Joseph Cardijn, founder of the JOC (Young Christian Workers), Jacques Maritain, and Hergé. In Portugal, he participated in drafting the statutes of Portuguese Catholic Action and contributed to the founding of the LOC (Liga Operária Católica). Together with Father Lopes da Cruz, he was one of the founders of Rádio Renascença. As parish priest of Encarnação between 1951 and 1957, Abel Varzim carried out significant pastoral activity, especially in the social and cultural spheres: he established the "Workers’ House", the "Soup Kitchen for the Poor", and the "Medical Clinic", and committed himself to the recovery and social reintegration of prostitutes then active in Bairro Alto. Abel Varzim died in 1964. OUT OF PRINT IN BOOKSTORES EXCELLENT CONDITION – FREE SHIPPING