“Did you know that the seeds of what would become the Parroquia Santa María Madre de la Iglesia y San Juan Bosco were sown long before its physical structure even existed?”
Here we stand before the Parroquia Santa María Madre de la Iglesia y San Juan Bosco. Its story is intertwined with the arrival of the Salesians in Uruguay. It also involves the vision of a man named Don Bosco.
Let’s journey back to a time before this church stood here. Imagine Don Bosco writing letters to Jacinto Vera. Vera was the first Bishop of Montevideo. In these letters Don Bosco expressed his intention to send Salesians to Montevideo. He wanted them to start the Colegio Pío. Don Bosco described it as founded by the charity and zeal of Vera.
In 1877 a group of thirteen Salesians began constructing a school in Villa Colón. This was a realization of Don Bosco’s vision. The school was named Pío IX in honor of Pope Pío IX. Federico Newman oversaw the construction. On February 2 1877 the Colegio Pío IX and its religious complex were inaugurated. Initially the religious complex was dedicated to Santa Rosa de Lima.
Then in 1888 a significant change occurred. The complex was rededicated as the Santuario Votivo Nacional de María Auxiliadora. This marked it as a sanctuary. Mariano Soler the Archbishop of Montevideo blessed it on December 14 1901. It wasn’t until February 2 1978 that it was officially consecrated. Bishop Andrés Rubio presided over this event. It coincided with the anniversary of its initial inauguration.
This Santuario Nacional de María Auxiliadora was the first in Uruguay dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. While this was the first there are other parishes dedicated to María Auxiliadora in Uruguay. You can find them in Pocitos Casupa Vichadero and Castillos.
Now consider the impact of the Salesians. They have been in Uruguay since 1877. They are known as Salesianos de Don Bosco. Their work has touched many lives. They continue their mission.
So as we stand here remember the history. Remember the letters of Don Bosco. Think of the dedication to María Auxiliadora. The Parroquia Santa María Madre de la Iglesia y San Juan Bosco stands as a testament to faith education and community. It embodies the spirit of Don Bosco and the Salesians. Their legacy continues to inspire.