The imposing marble crucifix silently watches over us. This is the Capilla del Cristo Obrero in Buenos Aires. Its story is etched not just in stone but in the lives of the people who built it.
In 1925 a simple zinc chapel San Blas rose in Villa Soldati. It served a community struggling with poverty. A devoted woman Sara Navarro Viola ensured its financial stability. Rodolfo Scapino a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul managed the chapel. The Society helped the needy.
By 1936 a new church was needed. Architect Carlos C Massa and engineer Luis V Migone designed it. Dr Pablo Torello generously donated funds. He wanted the church dedicated to Cristo Obrero. For two years it remained San Blas. The name change reflected the working-class character of the neighborhood.
The church became Cristo Obrero y San Blas. The Josefinos de Murialdo a religious congregation took over. They arrived from Naples in 1936. Father Victorio Gagliardi was the first parish priest.
The church boasts three bells donated by Dr Torello. They are dedicated to Cristo Obrero Our Lady of Lujan and St Joseph. The main altar features a stunning painting of the Holy Family. It depicts St Joseph and Jesus working and Mary spinning wool. The marble crucifix above the altar has a fascinating past. It was originally in Eva Peron’s chapel. After the 1955 coup it found its home here.
Father Atilio Stecca founded the Cristo Obrero school in 1948. It expanded to include secondary education in 1959. The school’s hall doubled as the only cinema in the area. Children attended on Sundays in the afternoon adults in the evenings.
Brother Emilio Bobba a Josefine brother established a free medical clinic in the church’s basement. He worked tirelessly providing care. The clinic was supported by Sara Navarro Viola. It attracted many medical professionals who volunteered their services. Brother Emilio’s dedication to the community is legendary. He served until 1959.
Today the Capilla del Cristo Obrero stands as a testament to faith resilience and community spirit. It is a place where history and devotion intertwine. The Capilla del Cristo Obrero is more than a building. It is a living symbol of Villa Soldati.