A new book traces Brazil’s first saint through four cities in Santa Catarina, weaving history, faith, and 12 rescued traditional recipes.
A journey turned into a book
“Caminhos, Memórias e Histórias de Amábile Visintainer – A Historical and Gastronomic Rescue of Saint Paulina’s Life in Santa Catarina” was officially launched on Saturday (Feb. 28) along the Roteiro Amabilíssimo — a cultural trail that retraces the footsteps of Saint Paulina, Brazil’s first canonized saint, through the cities of Nova Trento, Canelinha, Tijucas, and Camboriú.
The book was produced by Oficina das Palavras and anchored in a defining historical episode: the journey of young novice Amábile Visintainer from the convent to the main church in Camboriú, accompanied by a musical band. An unexpected storm tested the group along the way — but faith carried them through.
History, culture, and flavors
The publication goes beyond biography. It connects historical records, local traditions, and regional gastronomy, showing how the customs of Saint Paulina’s era still shape the food culture of four Santa Catarina towns. The result includes 12 traditional recipes carefully recovered through deep field research.
We interviewed residents, analyzed historical documents, walked the route, and dove deep into research to bring a rich and detailed vision of this story. Beyond the text and images that capture the essence of the people and landscapes along the way, the book gathers 12 traditional recipes that were carefully recovered. Ricardo Ruas, journalist and gastronome, co-author
Co-author and journalist Ricardo Ruas — also a trained gastronome — didn’t just research the recipes; he recreated them, ensuring both historical accuracy and culinary relevance. His partner, journalist Ana Paula Ruschel, sees the project as a milestone for the company.
A cultural funding first
This marks the first project by Oficina das Palavras funded through Brazil’s Lei Rouanet cultural incentive law. Sponsors include Havan and Grupo Gutemburgo, with support from Rede Cooper and realization by the Ministry of Culture and the Federal Government. The launch also received backing from the City of Tijucas and Sebrae.
We have always worked with creative narratives and realized that cultural incentive laws are a path to bringing even more relevant cultural projects to the public. We have new initiatives underway and will soon announce new developments. Ana Paula Ruschel, journalist and co-author
Two decades of storytelling
The launch is part of Oficina das Palavras’ 20th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The company is broadening its scope toward cultural projects, strategic consulting, training programs, and signature communication events — a shift already recognized with a national award.
The book features photography by Paulo Staack Alves and a preface by entrepreneurs Tamara Legarrea and Michela França of Cocriando Soluções. The Roteiro Amabilíssimo, enshrined in state law, highlights the cultural, religious, and historical significance of the four cities along the trail.
Photo: Paulo Staack Alves
