How about a story of resilience? The Catedral de San Justo stands as a testament to faith. It is a symbol of community in the heart of San Justo.
This cathedral’s story is unique. It involves recycled materials and a resilient spirit. The Catedral de San Justo was created on July 18 1969. Pope Paul VI established it through a papal bull. It was named Omnimode sollicite. Parts of the dioceses of Morón and Lomas de Zamora were combined. Jorge Carlos Carreras became its first bishop.
In 1856, the Villegas family donated land. They wanted to found the city of San Justo and build a parish. San Justo city was founded in December 1856. A chapel followed two years later. Construction of the parish temple began in 1860. The work took 35 years. It was completed in 1895 under Ricardo Eastman.
By the 20th century, the original roofs were failing. After 70 years, they were unstable. The church was closed in the late 1930s. Services moved to the Santa Rosa de Lima school.
Monsignor Marcón arrived in San Justo in February 1941. He worked with residents to repair the roofs. Two side naves were added. The facade was updated with a large stained-glass window. It showed the patron saints. The main altar was also modified.
In the late 1960s, the Bishopric of San Justo and Cañuelas was created. This led to construction of the Diocesan building. It was within the parish grounds. Later, the Bishopric of Laferrere and Cañuelas was created. This reduced the scope of the Bishopric of San Justo. It became the 130 square kilometers it is today.
The Catedral de San Justo has seen changes. The Diocese of San Justo originally included Cañuelas and La Matanza. Cañuelas came from Lomas de Zamora. La Matanza came from Morón. In 2000, Gregorio de Laferrere became a new diocese. San Justo was reduced to a third of La Matanza.
Jorge Carlos Carreras was appointed the first Bishop of San Justo. He took office on October 26 1969. He retired at age 75 on April 14 1982.
The Virgin Mary was named patron saint. She is known as Mother of God. Saints Justo and Pastor are secondary patrons. Their feast day is August 9.
Rodolfo Bufano succeeded Jorge Carlos Carreras. He had been Auxiliary Bishop in 1978. He returned as Diocesan Bishop in 1982. He died unexpectedly on November 5 1990.
In 1991, Juan Pablo II appointed Jorge Meinvielle as Bishop of San Justo. He took office on May 31 1991. Antonio Federico Gatti became Auxiliary Bishop in 1996. He died in 1998.
Juan Horacio Suárez was pastor of the Catedral Santos Justo y Pastor. He was also Vicar General. He was named Bishop of Gregorio de Laferrere in 2000. Part of San Justo’s territory was separated.
Jorge Meinvielle died in 2003. Alejandro Inzaurraga Frías became Diocesan Administrator. He served until his death later that year.
In 2008, Benedicto XVI named Damián Santiago Bitar Auxiliary Bishop of San Justo. He was later appointed Bishop of Oberá in 2010.
Juan Pablo II appointed Baldomero Carlos Martini as Bishop of San Justo in 2004. He served until he became Bishop Emeritus.
In 2014, Francisco appointed Eduardo Horacio García as Bishop of San Justo. Baldomero Carlos Martini had reached age 75. Eduardo García has served since December 14 2014.
The Catedral de San Justo’s gates give it its current look. It is full of local history. It bears marks of its evolution.
For over 150 years, the city and Catedral de San Justo have grown together. They were founded together. Generations of people have passed through here. They include pioneers, immigrants, pastors and parishioners. They are part of our historical heritage.