A regal silhouette against Quito’s vibrant sky. That’s the Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de La Paz. Its neo-Gothic style is both imposing and welcoming. This isn’t just a church it’s a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring search for peace.
The Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de La Paz has a story that spans decades. It began in the late 1940s. The Sacred Hearts Congregation of Jesus and Mary arrived in Quito. They sought a place to establish a parish dedicated to Our Lady of Peace. Finding peace was a significant goal for people and nations. They wanted peace in life and in death.
In 1949 a generous couple Jorge and Rosario Hidalgo donated land. This was in the Quinta San Jorge de El Batán area. It was meant to be a peaceful retreat. The city grew around it. Yet the church remained a sanctuary.
Construction began in July 1950. A year later the first mass was held in the crypt. It was a small altar. Regular services began there. They continued even as the church itself was being built.
For ten years the church grew both physically and spiritually. The congregation grew. They donated ornaments liturgical items and even an electric organ.
On January 24 1960 the Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de La Paz was officially blessed and inaugurated. It became a parish on December 25 1961. Father Luis Charles Albisser ss.cc. was the first parish priest. The parish celebrates its feast day on July 28 each year.
The church’s design is unique. It mirrors the journey of human life. The columns arches and nave resemble an inverted boat. This shows people supported by faith guided by Mary the Star of the Sea. Stained glass windows depict Mary’s Assumption and coronation. They reflect hope and the light of Christ. A mural by Victor Mideros in the main altar depicts the eternal Jerusalem.
The Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de La Paz continues its work. It offers a place of worship community and service. It has been a center for aid distribution during times of need. It is a place where faith and peace continue to thrive in the heart of Quito. The spirit of peace endures. It is palpable within these walls. This remarkable building continues to bring people together.