Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Buenos Aires, the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria stands as a testament to time and faith. This beautiful church, located on Bahía Blanca 363, has witnessed the ebb and flow of life in the Floresta neighborhood for over a century. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria’s story begins in 1880 with a small chapel. This original structure was eventually demolished. The community’s desire for a dedicated parish led to a change of plans. The construction of a grander church commenced. On February 2nd, 1881, the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria officially opened its doors. The inauguration was a grand celebration, complete with military bands, children’s choirs, and a multitude of joyful residents. Interestingly, the church initially functioned irregularly. Services were not consistently held, often relying on the assistance of the priest from the neighboring Flores parish. However, this changed on September 26th, 1896. The small chapel was elevated to the status of a full-fledged parish. Originally known as the Parish of the Purification, it wasn’t until March 1903 that it adopted its current name, Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria. The church we see today is not the original structure. The growing population of Floresta necessitated a larger space. Construction of the new Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria began in 1906, next to the original chapel. The project spanned over five decades. It relied heavily on the generous financial contributions of the local community. Finally, in 1958, the new Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria was inaugurated. Sadly, Monsignor Pablo Laucello, a key figure in the church’s development, passed away in 1954, never witnessing the completion of his life’s work. His remains were initially interred in the Flores cemetery. In 1959, they were moved to a marble altar niche within Parroquia Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria. This serves as a poignant reminder of his dedication and enduring legacy.