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SÃO MIGUEL
The Chapel of the Archangel Michael at Roça de São Miguel, with the original statue visible through the open arch

São Tomé and Príncipe

Shall we rebuild the chapel together?

There are places where faith needs a home to be reborn — and the Chapel of the Archangel Michael, in São Tomé and Príncipe, is one of them.

I Want to Make a DonationDiscover the History

Watch the chapel

The chapel as it stands today, open to the forest and the sky.

Facade of the Chapel of the Archangel Michael, roof open to the sky
Moss-covered walls of the chapel in the forest
Original statue of the Archangel Michael inside the chapel
Approaching the south of São Tomé by canoe
Launching the boat from the beach toward Roça de São Miguel
Forested coast of São Miguel seen from the sea
Luciano Baetz beside the original image of São Miguel
Inês Barabola at the chapel altar
Arched window of the ruined chapel
Pico Cão Grande, the volcanic spire of São Tomé
A secluded bay on the São Tomé coast
Aerial view of a forested bay on São Tomé
Ilhéu das Rolas off the south of São Tomé
Waterfall in the São Tomé forest
Close view of the original São Miguel statue
Facade of the Chapel of the Archangel Michael, roof open to the sky
Moss-covered walls of the chapel in the forest
Original statue of the Archangel Michael inside the chapel
Approaching the south of São Tomé by canoe
Launching the boat from the beach toward Roça de São Miguel
Forested coast of São Miguel seen from the sea
Luciano Baetz beside the original image of São Miguel
Inês Barabola at the chapel altar
Arched window of the ruined chapel
Pico Cão Grande, the volcanic spire of São Tomé
A secluded bay on the São Tomé coast
Aerial view of a forested bay on São Tomé
Ilhéu das Rolas off the south of São Tomé
Waterfall in the São Tomé forest
Close view of the original São Miguel statue

Every stone tells a story. Every wave carries a prayer.

More than raising walls of stone, you will be raising hope, protecting families, and leaving your blessing etched in the history and faith of this people.

The chapel was raised in 1883 at the far south of São Tomé. It can be reached only by sea from Porto Alegre. The roof is gone and the forest has taken the walls — yet the original image of São Miguel still stands.

This website was created independently by Luciano Baetz, without church or government funding. Restoring the chapel returns a house of faith, memory, and welcome to the Santomean people and to travellers from every shore.

Read Our Full History

Where We Stand

An independent beginning

This site and its social channels were created by Luciano Baetz, without church or government funding. The first gifts will rebuild the chapel at Roça de São Miguel.

Be among the first benefactors

How the first gifts will be used

  • Structural stonework and walls34%
  • Roof in traditional timber26%
  • Altar, interior, and the original image of São Miguel18%
  • Local craftsmen, sailors, and family support14%
  • Access, records, and administration8%

These shares are the intended use of the first gifts. Nothing is spent without a receipt.

Voices of the Expedition

“The aim is to put the Chapel of the Archangel Michael back on the map — a space dedicated to the protector of the Santomean people and of all travellers.”

Luciano Baetz · Founder of this independent initiative

Your Name in Eternity

The Book of Honor is a single, hand-bound volume that will rest inside the restored chapel. Every benefactor — a person, a family, a company, a parish — is written into it. No screens, no databases: ink, paper and leather, kept where the community can turn its pages.

“So that future generations may know that there are no dedicated hearts that cannot rebuild a forgotten sanctuary.”

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