Remember Amalia. That’s what Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena wanted when she funded this church. We are standing before Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. It stands as a testament to faith and remembrance.
In the early 20th century, this area was vastly different. Bajo Belgrano was a shantytown on land reclaimed from the river. It was created by burning trash.
In 1910, Archbishop Espinosa purchased a plot of land. This is where the temple would rise. Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena’s generosity made it possible. She wanted to honor her daughter Amalia, who passed away in 1907.
Ernesto Vespignani, a Salesian priest and architect, designed the building. Construction finished in 1914. That year marked the start of World War I in Europe. The church initially fell under the care of the Assumptionist priests. Father Román Heitmann was the first pastor. In 1994, the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires assumed pastoral care.
Look at the architecture. It reflects a neo-Romanesque style. Vespignani’s design is evident in churches across South America. He left his mark from Argentina to Colombia.
Inside Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, the apse is simple. It lacks the typical Romanesque decorations. The altar features a wooden panel of oak. It shows Jesus Christ blessing. Marble tablets displaying the Laws of Moses flank the panel. This wood carving was once part of the original pulpit.
The altarpiece is Romanesque. It has Italian marble. The image of Nuestra Señora sits in the center. Below, a bronze door reveals the tabernacle. Mosaic-like designs adorn the space around the door. To the right, the crucifixion scene includes Mary and Saint John. Perhaps Mary Magdalene is at the foot of the cross. On the left, the presentation of Jesus at the temple includes the Holy Family. Simeon and the prophetess Anna are also present. Angels appear on either side. They hold Eucharistic symbols and a triumphant banner.
The statue of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes dates back to 1912. Joseph Quixal from Barcelona sculpted it. The Virgin holds the Child Jesus and broken chains. These chains symbolize redemption from captivity. This refers to captives held by the Moors. The statue was restored in 2014 for the centenary.
Notice the pink granite columns. They resemble those in the Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento. Bronze chandeliers hang from the arches. They have crystal tulip shades. The windows feature ‘glisaires’ stained glass. They have delicate designs.
The side aisles mirror the arches’ rhythm. Original confessionals are on the left as you enter. The Stations of the Cross are made of European polychrome ceramic.
To the right of the entrance stands a carving of San Antonio. Leon Mahlknecht created it. A carving of San Juan María Vianney is also there.
To the left, you can see a depiction of Calvary. It features the Crucified Christ, Mary, and Saint John. The entrance to the bell tower is here. It was inaugurated in 1939. This marked the parish’s silver jubilee. The baptistery was once in the location of the bell tower. The baptismal font is now in the presbytery.
Admire the marble bust of Christ. Luis Trinchero, an Italian sculptor, created it.
The cross of the New Evangelization commemorates 500 years of evangelization. It was installed in 1992.
Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is the patron of Tucumán. She is also a General of the Argentinian Army. General Manuel Belgrano offered her his baton. This happened after the Battle of Tucumán in 1812.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes stands as a beacon. It honors faith and remembrance. Its history echoes through its walls. It reminds us of Mercedes’ love for Amalia.