Ever wonder how a humble chapel transforms into a vibrant parish? That is the story of Parroquia Santa Elena. Let us delve into the heart of this community.
Parroquia Santa Elena maintains its historical identity from its days as a chapel. Its origins intertwine with the arrival of the first residents in the Buceo neighborhood. The founding of Colegio Santa Elena also coincided with this. The school was a pioneer in educating local children opening in 1885.
Colegio Santa Elena occupied several locations. In 1934 it settled at its current address on Avenida Rivera. Former students recall the original chapel. It was a large hall divided by screens. During the week it became classrooms. On Sundays it transformed for Eucharistic worship. It served the spiritual needs of students and local residents.
Father Fernando Fagalde blessed the chapel on May 24 1952. The Missionary Carmelite nuns led the school. Salesian priests oversaw the San Pedro parish. They were the first chaplains. They provided spiritual care to the chapel’s faithful.
In 1986 the Carmelite nuns left the school’s administration. The chapel gained autonomy. It began to report directly to the Archdiocese. A council of lay teachers then managed the educational institution.
The faithful repeatedly asked Monsignor Nicolás Cotugno to establish a permanent residence for Father Miguel Ángel Ulfe. He had been in charge of the chapel since 2002. They also sought the canonical establishment of the parish.
Ofelia recalls that the community took shape. People were enthusiastic because Father Miguel was very enthusiastic. She says that he helped them a lot. They also helped him. She remembers it took a lot to become a parish. Capilla Santa Elena was erected as a parish on April 27 2013.
Father Ulfe served as parish priest until 2015. Father Pablo Paul Dabezies replaced him for a year. Since 2016 Father Javier Galdona has been the parish priest. He calls it a precious community. He says it is very alive and committed. It had a very strong identity and internal connection since the chapel days.
Father Galdona emphasizes the strong and solid parish council. It helped structure the community. It created various services and groups. Council members take the parish’s vision seriously. This creates a specific community atmosphere.
The parish council and priest work closely together. The priest sees his role as a caretaker. He tries to keep the caravan of camels together. He believes the laity knows the path and the oases. His function is to walk with the community. He tries to keep it united and faithful to its purpose.
During the pandemic the parish reinvented itself. It became a virtual parish. It had a strong telephone and support network. Groups managed to connect and function even during the pandemic. As things return to normal these groups are reconfiguring.
Before the health emergency there was only one prayer and Bible study group. It had fifteen members meeting in person. During social distancing they recorded the data of everyone attending the parish. This allowed the whole community to stay in touch. It was the starting point for creating Bible study prayer groups via WhatsApp.
In total ten WhatsApp groups were created. Each group had eight people. A mixed community emerged. It was both in person and virtual. It allowed members to meet at any time. One member says it was an extremely virtuous idea. It united many people eager to receive God’s word.
Each group uses the Lectio Divina methodology. In each meeting they reflect on a Bible text. Each person commits to an act of kindness. People worry and share their needs when someone has an accident or health problem. The member says there is a community beneath all the technology.
The pandemic also changed children’s catechesis. In 2019 thirty-five minors participated. Now there are fourteen. Half are migrants. There is also sacramental catechesis for adults. Currently one adult is participating to receive first communion and confirmation.
There is also a group of adults who have already received the sacraments. They continue in catechetical formation. One member explains it is a recycling and update for people who had religious formation in school. Now they want to deepen their knowledge.
Santa Elena strives to be a parish where the faithful not only participate in mass. They should also participate in other activities. Regular meetings help to solidify relationships. The laity leads the way. The parish priest accompanies them. Parroquia Santa Elena stands as a testament to community spirit. It embraces change and remains steadfast in faith.