Whispers of history linger here. Before you stands Capilla Nuestra Señora de Caacupé a testament to faith resilience and unexpected twists of fate.
In the 19th century this very spot held a grand estate. The Wanklin family British landowners occupied it. Their property bordered the famous Quinta de los Lezica now Parque Rivadavia. President Julio Argentino Roca even used the estate. He received important world figures there.
Then came the Sisters of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts. Arriving from Liverpool in 1882 they established their convent here. A version says Manuelita Rosas daughter of the notorious Juan Manuel de Rosas requested their presence. The sisters purchased the Wanklin estate. On May 6 1885 construction of Capilla Nuestra Señora de Caacupé began. It was completed and blessed on September 15. The site also included a free school for girls.
By 1906 the chapel proved too small. The school thrived attracting many students. A new chapel was built by Norwegian architect Alejandro Christophersen. It reflects a neo-Romanesque style.
Tragedy struck in 1930. The government planned to place Buenos Aires’ municipality in Caballito. This involved taking the land. After years of delays the expropriation happened in 1939. The chapel was deconsecrated. It served as a garage and storage space falling into disrepair. Yet the original wooden floor remains. It shows the path to the altar and the presbytery’s location.
But the spirit of Capilla Nuestra Señora de Caacupé endured. In 1983 the Archbishopric initiated its restoration. On February 18 1984 Cardinal Juan Carlos Aramburu presided over its reopening.
A unique feature its main entrance faced away from the street. People walked 100 meters to enter through the back. A side door was eventually added. Today Capilla Nuestra Señora de Caacupé welcomes Venezuelan migrants. They maintain their faith within its walls. Images of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá and the Virgin of the Valley stand testament to this. A relic of José Gregorio Hernández the “doctor of the poor” is enshrined here.
Capilla Nuestra Señora de Caacupé’s story is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It reflects the cultural fusion of Buenos Aires. This small chapel stands as a powerful symbol. It shows hope resilience and the transformative power of community.