“Dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle in memory of her late brother” echoed in Sofía Aguerre’s mind. We are standing before Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol. It is a testament to faith and community spirit. This church’s story begins in the humble neighborhood of Buceo. It was the 1930s.
Buceo shared simplicity with many Montevideo areas. But its spiritual needs were considerable. The nearest churches were some distance away. They included Nuestra Señora del Carmen, San Cayetano, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores and San Juan Bautista.
Father Sallaberry was a priest from San Juan Bautista. He recognized this need. He started a mission in Buceo. He sought to bring faith to the community. With the help of neighbors, he secured a tent. Evangelization began.
The idea of a permanent church took root. However funds were lacking. Then a Catholic family stepped forward. Sofía Aguerre was a key member of this family. She offered the needed land and financial resources. She had only one condition. The new church had to honor Saint Peter the Apostle. This was in memory of her deceased brother also named Pedro.
Her wish was fulfilled. On February 24, 1934, Archbishop Aragone consecrated the new parish. He named Father Gabino Paulo as its first priest. Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol was a reality. The church quickly became central to the neighborhood.
Father Daniel Martínez now leads this vibrant community. He recalls its Salesian origins. The church initially included a school. Over time, the school evolved. It became a psychology and communications faculty.
Father Martínez reflects on the area’s past. He says, “This was a peripheral zone. But Salesian priests saw this area with different eyes.” He adds that until recently, some members of the first generation of parishioners were still alive. The church arose from the efforts of fishermen and the work of Monsignor Aragone.
Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol faced challenges. The pandemic reduced the participation of neighbors. But there has been a resurgence of activity. Twenty new children enrolled in catechism in 2022. This was more than in previous years.
According to Father Martínez, Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol warmly welcomes everyone. He says, “This is a fraternal community. It welcomes everyone who arrives.” The church actively seeks to engage young people. It invites them to Sunday Mass. This gives them a chance to share their faith with the wider community.
The church has also embraced immigrants. Many have settled in the neighborhood. They find a welcoming community. They often join services after hearing the church bells. The community celebrated the Virgen de la Caridad. It was brought by a migrant who wanted it to have a home in the church.
Patricia is a long-time member of the church. She started attending with her mother. She participates in the Mar Adentro group and Betania. Betania reaches out to people experiencing homelessness.
Father Martínez initially studied chemistry. Later he realized his path was to serve God. He says his friends called him “the priest” even in his teens. He realized this was his calling. He believes that one can find God even through science.
Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to community. It is a place where everyone is welcome. It shows that faith and service continue to thrive.