Remember the name Elena. Capilla Santa Elena stands as a testament to faith. It also reminds us of a daughter’s memory. Martín Pereyra Iraola built this simple chapel. It was a tribute to his beloved daughter Elena.
This chapel’s story began in Juan María Gutiérrez. Its red tile roof and colonial style evoke simpler times. The workers from the old estancia once gathered here to pray. Today, farmers and local residents continue this tradition. Even visitors from Buenos Aires come. People from La Plata also come.
Mass is traditionally offered every Sunday. This continues a long-standing practice at Capilla Santa Elena.
Let’s journey back to the 1920s in Buenos Aires. The area around what is now Capilla Santa Elena belonged to the Guadalupe parish. The Guadalupe parish was huge. It stretched all the way to the Río de la Plata. Father Ricardo Kanfhold saw a need for local religious centers. He wanted to reach the working-class families living near the river.
The Ladies’ Catholic League of Guadalupe took on this mission. They started holding catechism lessons in tents. Father Enrique Rohling led these missions with the League’s support. Their work revitalized the neighborhood. It was then known as “de los tachos.” It was near Avda. del Libertador.
In 1924, Father Federico Rademacher opened a Catechism Center. He had the support of the Ladies’ Catholic League. The center was located on Cerviño Street. On August 18, the first mass of Santa Elena was celebrated. That same year, the Casa de los Niños Gral. Las Heras was founded.
Children came to learn catechism at the center. They received clothing and food. They also prepared performances for holidays. Soon, the space became too small. They rented a former coal storage facility on Juan Fco. Segui Street. Mass was celebrated there every Sunday. Girls learned needlework.
In 1925, the Congregation of the Divine Word bought land. It was on Juan Fco. Segui Street. They planned to build a chapel and related facilities. The name Casa de los Niños de Santa Elena was adopted. This honored the apostolic work of the Ladies’ Catholic League. Santa Elena was their patron saint.
The cornerstone of the Capilla Casa del Niño de Santa Elena was laid. It was September 13, 1925. This coincided with the Congregation of the Divine Word’s fiftieth anniversary. Monsignor Fortunato Devoto blessed the cornerstone.
The dedication of the committee and its president was remarkable. The generous support of the parishioners ensured the work finished by late 1927. The crypt was inaugurated on December 6, 1927. The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Fray José Botaro, blessed it. He celebrated Mass with Monsignor Devoto and the Provincial of the Congregation of the Divine Word.
Father Enrique Rohling continued spreading the Gospel. He did it through missions in tents, catechism centers, and finally at Parroquia Santa Elena.
Capilla Santa Elena stands not only as a place of worship. It is also a symbol of community and enduring faith. Its history reflects the dedication of individuals. They shaped not only a parish but also a neighborhood.