Parroquia Santa Adela

Beneath the benevolent gaze of Our Lady of Luján, Parroquia Santa Adela stands as a beacon of neocolonial elegance. This beautiful church, inaugurated in 1940, graces Avenida Luis María Campos 155. Cardinal Santiago Luis Copello spearheaded its construction. He had the generous support of Elisa Udaondo, who funded the project in memory of her mother, Adela Peña de Udaondo. Parroquia Santa Adela offered a local place of worship. The faithful no longer had to journey to San Benito or Nuestra Señora de Luján (Castrense) for their religious obligations. The land, originally a military property and once a venue for soccer matches and circuses, was partially ceded to the Archdiocese. Architect Carlos C. Massa, a frequent collaborator with Cardinal Copello, designed the church in about two years. Parroquia Santa Adela stands as a rare example of neocolonial architecture among Massa and Copello’s collaborations. It marks the last church built in this style in Buenos Aires, preceded only by San Isidro Labrador in 1932. Parroquia Santa Adela’s neocolonial style aligns with the architectural revival of the 1920s and 1940s. Its stark interior, however, sets it apart from its predecessors. The parish was created on July 25, 1940, along with Dulcísimo Nombre de Jesús and Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. The church’s blessing took place on November 23, 1940, led by Cardinal Copello. Elisa Udaondo and her family were present. Numerous priests, parishioners, and representatives from other parishes attended. A military band played outside. The first baptism took place the next day. On December 8th, many children received their First Communion. The church’s facade is a classic white with ochre accents, a common feature of neocolonial style. A prominent portal features a niche with the image of Our Lady of Luján. Above it, a four-lobed rose window showcases a stained-glass image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A Latin inscription indicates the year of the church’s construction. An iron representation of the Chi Rho symbol crowns the facade. Parroquia Santa Adela’s single tower houses a bell tower with double openings on each side. Four oculi sit beneath the openings. Two bells within the tower are being prepared for electrification. This will amplify their historic chimes. An artistic ceramic tile depicting Our Lady of Pompeii adorns the right side of the entrance portal.