Dedicated to bridging continents. Parroquia Nuestra Sra de la Rabida stands as a testament to faith and history. It is located on Avenida Belgrano 1502 in Buenos Aires. This corner of Belgrano and Luis Sáenz Peña holds a unique story. It is opposite the Departamento Central de la Policía Federal Argentina.
Let’s step back to November 14, 1875. The ship Savoy departed from Genoa. On board were fifteen religious Daughters of Mercy. Also present were the first Salesian Fathers sent by Saint Don Bosco. They arrived in Buenos Aires on December 14. Their mission was to begin their respective works.
The Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy were founded by Saint Maria Josefa Rossello. She established the institute in Savona Italy in 1837. The sisters attended to the sick in their homes.
Fast forward to 1988. The Archdiocese of Buenos Aires decided to dedicate a parish to the upcoming 500th anniversary of the evangelization of America. This momentous event in history needed recognition. The dedication was to honor the Virgin. She is venerated in the monastery of Huelva Spain. It was from here that Christopher Columbus and his mariners entrusted their historic journey. They prayed at the feet of Nuestra Señora. Pope John Paul II crowned her “Star of Evangelization”.
The chosen location for Parroquia Nuestra Sra de la Rabida was an existing building. The schools of Mercy and Cardenal Newman originally occupied it. The parish was inaugurated on September 3, 1988. Architect Oscar Burelli oversaw the remodeling. The first parish priest redesigned the space. He incorporated strong symbolic elements. Subsequent leaders returned to a traditional temple design. New images were enthroned. These included the Christ of love and mercy and the Virgin. San José and Santa Teresita were added. Diego Curutchet crafted all the wood carvings.
The church has unique features. Wooden and straw chairs are arranged in a semicircle around the altar. This informal setup emphasizes a family gathering. It promotes participation in the Eucharistic encounter. The community of Parroquia Nuestra Sra de la Rabida feels like a family that prays together.
As you enter Parroquia Nuestra Sra de la Rabida the image of Nuestra Señora de La Rábida welcomes you. She invites you to join one of its groups. These include missionaries catechists and Cáritas. There are groups for school support and married couples. There are entertainment and training for children of all ages. The ministries of relief and listening are available too.
The facilities accommodate these various groups. Over the years many parishioners have supported the installation of different facilities. The basement houses the auditorium and a medical office. The first floor contains the library and several meeting rooms. The second floor features the oratory and multipurpose rooms. The installation of the cinerarium in the courtyard created a serene space.
All of this creates a welcoming atmosphere. It unites the beautiful community of La Rábida around the altar. It is a community that prays and is missionary. It is committed to its faith. Parroquia Nuestra Sra de la Rabida is a place of community and reflection.