Picture this a humble house built on a plot of land costing a mere dollar per square meter. This was the unlikely beginning of Parroquia San Antonio Maria Claret. It wasn’t always the beautiful church you see before you.
The Parroquia San Antonio Maria Claret stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. Its story begins in 1917 with Claretian priests arriving from Spain. They initially resided in a convent. Later in 1947 they moved to the Church of La Altagracia. They found their location there inconvenient. They needed a quiet place to rest. So they purchased a sizable 20000 square meter plot.
They built a simple house. They gradually added to it over time as needed. As the seminary’s size reduced some priests were reassigned. This freed them to focus on building the church we see today. This magnificent structure a replica of the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higuey was blessed on August 22 1974. The architect responsible for this beautiful work was Ing. Arq Francisco Lopez Rodriguez.
The church’s first baptism was on June 2 1955. Dionisio Isidro Montano Santana was the first child to receive this sacrament within its walls. That same day Juan Perez and Julianita Espinosa became the first couple married in the Parroquia San Antonio Maria Claret. The church holds a rich history. Many priests served here contributing to its spiritual growth and community impact.
The Parroquia San Antonio Maria Claret is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the faith and dedication of those who built it and those who continue to worship within its walls. It is a vibrant part of the Cali community. It provides a sanctuary of peace a place of solace and spiritual enrichment. This is a place for reflection. It stands as a powerful symbol of unwavering faith. A symbol that resonates throughout the years. It continues to offer comfort to countless generations. It’s a special place indeed. Isn’t it remarkable?