In 1960 a dream took root in La Tola Alta. Father Gustavo Naranjo envisioned a church. Weekly masses were held in a local home. This was insufficient. He rallied the neighborhood women. He appointed them godmothers of the Christ Child. Their first task was to acquire a baby Jesus. A committee of twelve women formed. Martha Estévez led as president. Lilly Montero was the secretary. Emma Játiva was treasurer.
This is the story of the Iglesia Católica de Santa Faz | La Tola. This church stands as a testament to community faith. The women collected donations tirelessly. They went door-to-door. They raised money for the baby Jesus. They even held Christmas celebrations for fifty children. This was in the home of Miguel Díaz. They used funds to support local prayer groups. They organized movie screenings with the help of the Atahualpa Theater.
Twelve men became yearly sponsors. Each contributed 100 sucres. The women continued fundraising. They organized raffles and sold tickets. This was to buy land and build the church. Over time some sponsors left. Martha Contreras and Martha Estévez remained. They joined the local Catholic prayer group. Martha Contreras managed the monthly funds from the Curia. Martha Estévez secured a donation. This was for the stained-glass windows from Vidriera Orimas.
For ten years Martha Estévez tirelessly collected donations. Engineer Francisco Salazar volunteered his services. He oversaw the church construction. Once finished Father Naranjo entrusted it to the Salesians. They donated the pews. Today the Iglesia Católica de Santa Faz | La Tola stands proudly. It’s a place of beauty and worship. People gather there to pray and give thanks. The church reflects the enduring spirit of La Tola’s community. Its history speaks to unwavering faith. It tells of collaboration and the power of shared dreams. This is the Iglesia Católica de Santa Faz | La Tola a place of enduring faith.