How about a journey through time? We will explore the history of Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Huerto y San José.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Huerto y San José stands before us. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and community. Its story is one of resilience and devotion.
In 1819, the seeds of this parish were sown. The Cabildo established a “Casa Cuna” next to the San José hospital. This was an orphanage for abandoned newborns. It was named after Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga. The orphanage’s charter stipulated the creation of a chapel. This chapel would serve the children and the local population. Without this chapel, the land donation would be void.
Construction of the chapel began in 1883. It was intended for the asylum’s children and the surrounding community. In 1890, the Capilla San José was inaugurated on November 1. The Sisters of the Huerto, serving at the asylum, took charge of it.
A separation of church and state occurred in 1908. The Sisters of Nuestra Señora del Huerto were relieved of their duties. The chapel was closed and remained so until 1913. In mid-1913, the chapel reopened. The Curia assigned it to the Salesian Fathers.
Disaster struck in 1951. The asylum collapsed. This forced its evacuation. Father José M. Labrada secured two rooms in the Etchevers family home. These rooms became an emergency chapel.
In 1961, a request was made. The chapel should belong to the Archbishopric of Montevideo. The keys to the Capilla San José were handed over. It was inaugurated on March 19, 1964, with a Mass. Father Sghirla was appointed parish priest.
Father Sghirla retired in 1975. The parish remained closed until 1976. Father Barriola and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary took over in 1976. They ministered to the parish.
The community saw many priests come and go in 1991. Each priest accompanied the community.
Monsignor Cotugno appointed Reverend Father Vitale Doroskevich as parish priest in 2000. This marked the new millennium.
Father Silvio Albertario succeeded Father Vitale as parish priest in 2007.
In 2015, the Archbishop of Montevideo, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, entrusted the parish to the Society of Saint John.
Today, Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Huerto y San José stands as a cultural heritage monument of Uruguay. It is a testament to faith, community, and the enduring spirit of Montevideo.