Capilla Santa María de los Ángeles

Gazing upon Capilla Santa María de los Ángeles, can you envision its humble beginnings? This grand neo-Romanesque structure, designed by architect Horne, wasn’t always so imposing. Our journey starts in 1927, the year of the chapel’s design. Capilla Santa María de los Ángeles officially opened its doors in 1930. But its story begins even earlier, with two Capuchin friars. They began their mission within the confines of a private residence on Congreso Street. The burgeoning congregation soon outgrew this space. They moved to number 2790 on the same street, then a few blocks north to their own plot of land. Here, a simple room with an altar and a tent sheltered the faithful. This makeshift arrangement eventually gave way to a small chapel. This chapel would later become the parish hall, a testament to the growing community. Capilla Santa María de los Ángeles continued to evolve. By 1936, under the guidance of Father Filomeno, plans for a larger church began to take shape. Apostolic Nuncio, Mons. Felipe Cortesi, envisioned a church as grand as the one in Lourdes, France. The cornerstone was blessed months later, and by the end of 1937, the first mass was celebrated in the new structure. Father Filomeno passed away in 1940. R.P. Joaquín de Monterroso took over as parish priest and began construction of the convent. A key figure in this project was a venerable priest, Pbro. Juan Emmanuele. He generously donated all his possessions to fund the construction, an act of remarkable generosity that the Capuchin community deeply appreciated. The year 1946 marked the beginning of the Camarín’s construction. R.P. Román de Montevideo oversaw its completion and the installation of the bells. Later, in 1950, R.P. Alfonso de Concordia became the parish priest and R.P. Antonio de Monterroso became the guardian of the convent. They spearheaded the renovation of the original chapel, which had become damaged over time. It was expanded, with part of it transformed into an assembly hall. So, as you stand before Capilla Santa María de los Ángeles, remember its journey. From a simple room and a tent to this magnificent neo-Romanesque edifice, it reflects the unwavering faith and dedication of the community it serves.