“Presa de las Pilas No. 63” whispers an address. Right here stands Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima. It is located in the Colonia Irrigación. This modernist church holds a special place in the community.
Let’s step back in time to the mid-20th century. Colonia Irrigación was then taking shape. Factories replaced the old Rancho Sotelo. These factories processed agricultural products. Later, a giant refinery was built to the north.
Construction of the Fatima church began in 1952. Five years later, it was dedicated. However, its corner chapel opened earlier in 1953. Parishioners were welcomed even then. The architect is believed to be G. Ortega. Records, unfortunately, are incomplete.
As the neighborhood grew, the church welcomed more parishioners. They came from Lomas de Sotelo and Loma Hermosa. Irrigación transformed into a large neighborhood. Factories gave way to glass buildings. Today, the Museo Soumaya and Jumex Museum stand nearby.
The church’s location is also significant. It stands between a glorieta and a small park. The glorieta is named after a lake and dam in Monterrey. It is called Presa Salinillas. The park is named after a dam on the Río Escame in Zacatecas. Interestingly, most streets in Colonia Irrigación bear names of waterworks projects. These projects were popular in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.
In 2016, Ivan San Martín Córdova described the church. He saw it as an example of “Estructura, abstracción y sacralidad” from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Fátima is part of the Arquidiócesis de México. You can contact the church at +525555571845 or 55571769. Masses are held throughout the week. Confessions are heard on Mondays. The Fatima Church stands as a testament to faith. It also reflects the evolution of its surrounding community.