Guido Schäffer
A Brazilian doctor, surfer, and seminarian, Guido Schäffer dedicated his life to the poor and the sick before dying tragically at sea in 2009.
Contemporaries
Figures and markers around the normalized period for this entry.
Guided reading
5 reading sections
Biography
Birth, youth in Rio de Janeiro, and medical studies of Guido Schäffer.
Guido Vidal França Schäffer was born on May 22, 1974, in Volta Redonda, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The son of a doctor and an active catechist of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, he grew up in Copacabana, developing a passion for surfing and a fervent faith. After his schooling at the Colégio do Sagrado Coração de Maria, he studied medicine at the Souza Marques Faculty from 1993 to 1998, then completed his internship at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia and treated AIDS patients at the Evandro Chagas Hospital.
Life and work
Medical commitment to the most destitute, co-founding of the prayer group, and call to the priesthood.
In 1998, Guido co-founded the prayer group "Fogo do Espírito Santo". Touched by a sermon on the Book of Tobit in 1999, he began volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity to care for the homeless and the inhabitants of the favelas. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, he broke off his engagement and entered the monastery of São Bento in 2002 to study philosophy, then theology, before joining the Archdiocesan Seminary of São José in 2008.
Path to holiness
Accidental death at sea in 2009 and popular fervor during his funeral.
On May 1, 2009, at the age of 34, Guido Schäffer drowned at Recreio dos Bandeirantes beach after being struck in the neck by his surfboard. His funeral at the Rio Cathedral drew a massive crowd. Due to the influx of pilgrims, his body was transferred in 2015 from the São João Batista cemetery to the church of Nossa Senhora da Paz in Ipanema.
Beatification and canonization
Opening of the cause for beatification and recognition of heroic virtues by Pope Francis.
The cause for beatification opened after obtaining the nihil obstat in 2014. The diocesan inquiry took place from 2015 to 2018. On May 20, 2023, Pope Francis authorized the decree recognizing his heroic virtues, proclaiming him Venerable. A miracle is required for his future beatification.
Spirituality and legacy
The legacy of the "Surfing Angel" and the annual commemorations on the beach.
Nicknamed the "Surfing Angel," Guido Schäffer integrated surfing into his spiritual life as a place of contemplation and evangelization. His faith was based on the Eucharist, the Rosary, and Holy Scripture, drawing inspiration from Saint Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Every May 1st, the "D.I.A. na Praia" gathering commemorates his memory on Recreio beach with prayers, Masses, and a circle of surfers in the ocean.
Iconography
Signs and attributes
Frequently asked questions about Guido Schäffer
Who was Guido Schäffer?
A Brazilian doctor, surfer, and seminarian, Guido Schäffer dedicated his life to the poor and the sick before dying tragically at sea in 2009.
How is Guido Schäffer depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Guido Schäffer is recognizable by: Surfboard.
Which saints were contemporaries of Guido Schäffer?
Contemporaries include: Jesús Emilio Jaramillo Monsalve, Manuela de Jesús Arias Espinosa, María Maravillas de Jesús and Jesús Antonio Gómez y Gómez.
When did Guido Schäffer die?
Guido Schäffer died around 2009.
What are the other names of Guido Schäffer?
Other forms of the name: Guido Vidal França Schäffer and Anjo Surfista.
Who are the relatives of Guido Schäffer?
Relatives of Guido Schäffer: Guido Manoel Vidal Schäffer (father) and Maria Nazareth França Schäffer (mother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Era / death: 2009
- Decree of venerability in 2023 by Francis