Didn’t you know that Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Ranelagh is more than just a church? It is a sanctuary. It blends colonial beauty with profound spirituality.
Welcome to Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced. This church is a vital part of the Ranelagh community in Buenos Aires Province.
Despite some calling out some deteriorated sectors, its architecture is stunning. Visitors often find tranquility here. They feel comfort during religious celebrations. The church is located on Calle 359 86. Its address is B1886CVN Ranelagh.
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced offers regular services. Mass is held at 6 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays there are masses at 10:30 AM and 6 PM. Check with the church for exact times. The phone number is +54 11 4258-8640.
The Mercedarian Order has deep roots in Buenos Aires. In 1893 they returned thanks to Fray José León Torres. Celina Belaústegui de Bustamante donated land. This allowed the founding of the San Pedro Nolasco convent. It was built in the Caballito neighborhood.
In 1894 the first chapel was erected. It honored Nuestra Señora de los Buenos Aires. The first image was an oil painting. Señorita Manuela Márquez donated it.
Father José H. Márquez conceived a grand project in 1909. He wanted to erect a magnificent temple. It would honor Nuestra Señora de los Buenos Aires. This temple was to replace the humble chapel. It would be fitting for the patron saint of the South American capital.
The first stone of the new building was laid December 3 1911. On January 25 the church was erected as a parish. This was done by Archbishop Mons. Mariano A. Espinosa.
The invocation of María has origins in Cagliari Italy. Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. In the early 15th century she was known as “Nostra Signora de Bonaria”.
Legend says that in 1370 a ship was returning from a Spanish port to Italy. It was loaded with merchandise. A storm threatened to sink the ship. The crew threw the cargo into the sea. This was done to avoid shipwreck. There was a heavy box with unknown contents. When it touched the water the storm calmed.
The box headed to the island of the Gulf of Cagliari. It stopped near the Mercedarian convent. Inside the box was an image of the Virgin Mary. She held a lit candle in her right hand. The child Jesus was in her left arm with a smiling face.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced stands as a testament to faith. It connects the past with the present. Its welcoming atmosphere continues to draw people closer to each other. It is a place of peace and reflection in Ranelagh.