The gentle chiming of bells calls us to a place of solace. Right here stands the Parroquia del Esp\u00edritu Santo. It is located on Sabino Street # 188 in Colonia Santa Mar\u00eda la Rivera of Mexico City.
Let’s delve into the history of this sacred space. The first stone of the temple was placed on October 29 1894. Construction of the chapel began in 1898.
A significant milestone occurred on April 26 1907. The dressing room of Our Lady of Consuelo was completed. The painting of the Holy Spirit was blessed. Italian artist Aristide Diez painted it in Rome.
That same year on January 4 the chapel became a parish. The Missionaries of St. Joseph continued to oversee it. The Parroquia del Esp\u00edritu Santo lacks a defined architectural style on its facade and interior. It is considered anastyle.
The church features a basilica plan with two levels. The upper level houses the choir. Windows on either side flood the space with light. The ceiling has gold coffers. Octagonal columns covered in marble support it.
In the apse a painting of the Holy Trinity with angels is visible. Paintings depicting scenes from the crucifixion flank it. The baseboards are made of varnished wood. The main altar holds the image of Our Lady of Consuelo. Saint Joseph stands to the right. Both are venerated within these walls.
On the lower altars of the presbytery the tabernacle is on the right side. Our Lady of Guadalupe is on the left. This temple is one of the few with a communion rail. Several images stand on pedestals along the sides of the church.
The original Chapel of the Holy Spirit is annexed to the Parroquia del Esp\u00edritu Santo. The Pontifical Coronation of Our Lady of Consuelo took place in 1959. Pope John XXIII led the coronation. Processions honoring the Holy Virgin take place. They occur on Fridays of Sorrows Good Friday and September 15. The processions wind through the streets of Colonia Santa Mar\u00eda la Rivera. Worshippers sing praise and observe moments of silence.
An image of Our Lady of Guadalupe blessed by Pope John Paul II during a visit to Mexico travels to parishioners’ homes. It is known as the Pilgrim Virgin.
The two temples and three schools run by the Missionaries of St. Joseph have boosted education. They have nurtured the faith of children and young people in this community. As we stand here let’s appreciate the blend of art faith and history. The Parroquia del Esp\u00edritu Santo stands as a testament to devotion and community spirit.