Imagine a group of Catholics in Ponciano Alto. They dreamed of a place to celebrate their faith. This dream led to the Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor.
The Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor has a story that began with a vision. Catholics in Ponciano Alto wanted a local place for Sunday Mass. They started meeting in the community center in 1997.
In 1997, the Municipality of Quito gave them land. It was a temporary agreement for the site of their future church. By 1999, Archbishop Gonzalez held the first open-air Mass. The community decided to celebrate Mass every Sunday. Weather often disrupted these early services.
Cardinal González blessed the first brick in 2000. Father Santiago Vaca became pastor in 2001. He had arrived the previous year as a vicar. The first communion was held on the field in June 2001.
To fund construction, a bingo was held in 2002. It raised USD 5000. Cardinal González blessed the cornerstone in 2003.
In 2003, Father Gladimiro celebrated Palm Sunday Eucharist. The structure began to rise. Columns were erected. Archbishop Vela celebrated Mass. Father Santiago Vaca and Father Luis Escanta also participated. The Pastoral Council met for the first time in the Marianitas convent. Father Luis Escanta led the meeting.
The walls went up in 2004. The roof was completed. The first Masses were held inside the new Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor. Work continued on the temple in 2005.
Father Joseba Segura arrived in 2006. He worked with Cáritas Ecuador. He also dedicated himself to the Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor. The first Easter vigil was celebrated in the fully functional temple.
Father Santiago blessed the Transfiguration medallion in 2007. It now dominates the front wall. Segundo Chimborazo and María Quishpe had the first wedding in 2007. They were caretakers of the Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor.
In 2008, the wall behind the altar was modified. The sanctuary was installed in June. Bishop Danilo Echeverria consecrated the temple in 2009.
The priest’s house was blessed in 2010. Father Joseba Segura moved in. A statue of the Immaculate Virgin was blessed. It was placed on the north side of the Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor.
A projection system for songs and prayers was installed in 2011. The stained glass window called “Incarnation” was inaugurated in 2012.
The Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor became a parish in 2014. Father Joseba Segura was the first pastor. Monsignor Carlos Quintana Puente took over in 2015.
Today, the Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor stands as a testament to faith. It shows the dedication of the Ponciano Alto community. Its doors are open. Mass is celebrated several times a week. The Iglesia Católica Transfiguración del Señor continues to be a vital part of Quito.