Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora

Whispers of “María Auxiliadora” echo through La Tola. Here stands the Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora, a beacon of faith in Quito’s vibrant tapestry. This majestic church, also known as the Templo de María Auxiliadora, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Salesian community and their devotion to Mary, Help of Christians. The Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora’s story begins in the late 19th century. President José María Plácido Caamaño and Archbishop José Ignacio Ordóñez, along with Saint John Bosco himself, paved the way for the Salesians’ arrival in Ecuador. In 1888, a group of Salesian brothers, led by Father Luis Calcagno, embarked on a journey from Turin to Quito, eventually taking charge of the Protectorado Católico. The dream of the Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora began to take shape in 1896 when Father Calcagno acquired land in eastern Quito. This land included a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The vision was to build a grand church, replacing the existing chapel. This vision was entrusted to the architect Jacinto Pankeri. However, the triumph of the Liberal Revolution in 1895 brought unforeseen challenges. The Salesians were expelled, and their projects stalled. But hope was not lost. In 1899, Father Guido Rocca returned, breathing new life into the Salesian mission. Finally, on July 17, 1900, construction began on the Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora, right where the old chapel once stood. The church, built with brick, adobe, stone, and metal reinforcements, mirrors the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. Its neoclassical facade, with its towering Corinthian columns and tympanum, commands attention. Two majestic towers house the church bells, their sound cascading over the neighborhood. Inside, the Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora boasts a single, soaring nave, reaching approximately 12 meters high. The absence of a true transept creates an intimate atmosphere. Chapels line the walls, their columns supporting the magnificent dome above. Look up and admire the intricate, embossed tin ceiling and the vibrant mural adorning the dome’s interior. The Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a testament to the unwavering faith of the Salesian community, who, despite facing adversity, persevered in their mission to create this sacred space. As you stand before the Iglesia Católica María Auxiliadora, imagine the echoes of prayers and hymns that have filled this space for over a century.