Have you noticed the serene beauty of this chapel? It is Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Misericordia. This church stands as a testament to faith and community. Its history is interwoven with the story of Buenos Aires itself.
In December 1875, a group of sisters arrived from Italy. They were the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy. Pope Pius IX sent them to care for the education of the youth. Buenos Aires was recovering from epidemics. There was a great need for social and spiritual support. The sisters began their work in the Flores district. It was a place of country estates.
Mariano Rebollo erected the Oratorio of the Annunciation in 1872. It included an adjoining school. Adriana Lupo de Sarracán and other women assisted him. Rebollo bequeathed his wealth to continue the work. The sisters took charge of the school named after the Oratorio.
Years later, the Oratorio was expanded. Its main altar was dedicated to the Annunciation. A wooden image depicted the Virgin and Archangel Gabriel. It remains on the current right altar. The marble reads “Verbum caro factum est”. This translates to “the Word became flesh”. There was also a Spanish image of the Virgin since 1873. She had a porcelain face and hands. She was dressed in velvet and lace. It is now in the Catechesis Hall.
A brick wall separated the Oratorio from the Camacuá sidewalk. Jasmine and honeysuckle perfumed the narrow street. It served as a promenade for the sisters and students.
The school, chapel and plaza create a cohesive historical landscape. Jorge Arturo Olmos recalled the old fountain. He remembered magnolias and araucarias. He envisioned the former La Moyosa estate.
In 1935, the temple was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style. Families of the students contributed greatly. They funded the Austrian stained glass windows. The windows illustrate the life of the Virgin. They also helped with the rose window. It resembles those of Notre Dame de Paris. A Spanish carving of Christ on the Cross was added. The families added a bas-relief of the Last Supper, a communion rail and benches. They also added doors, a pulpit and an entrance portico. A Walker pipe organ was installed in 1948. It had over 180 pipes. In 1965, the altar was updated. It was updated to reflect changes in the Mass liturgy.
The doors of the Tabernacle are special. Families donated jewels. Goldsmiths melted and shaped them. The design includes “JHS”. This represents “Jesus Christ, Savior of Men”. It also includes “Venite adoremus”. This translates to “Come, let us adore”.
Cardinal Santiago Luis Copello blessed the chapel on November 10, 1937. Roberto M. Ortiz, then future president, was a sponsor. Professors, students, families, friends and neighbors attended. The student choir performed during the Eucharist.
The newspaper La Prensa reported the event on December 11, 1937. It mentioned the blessing and inauguration of the new Chapel of the Annunciation. The article noted the presence of priests, religious authorities and special guests.
Since then, the chapel and school have been known as Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia. In August 1943, the main altar was blessed. It was dedicated to the Virgin of Mercy. It included relics of saints Alexander, Genaro and Severino. It also had relics of Saint Maria Josefa Rossello.
Today, Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Misericordia offers masses on Saturdays at 7 PM. The church is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Its beauty resonates with many visitors. Some of them studied at the school. Although not a parish, its beauty is valued by the faithful.
As you leave, consider the generations who have sought solace and inspiration. The Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Misericordia stands as a symbol of hope, education and community.