“Estamos en Uruguay” echoes in the air. Here at Iglesia de la Anunciación we find ourselves at a unique crossroads of faith and community. This church is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. It is a beacon of hope in the Pérez Castellanos neighborhood.
In 2019, Pro Ecclesia Sancta arrived in Uruguay. Cardinal Daniel Sturla extended the invitation to the Peruvian congregation. He entrusted them with the Parroquia La Anunciación. Since then they have been working alongside the local community. Their shared mission is both challenging and deeply rewarding. They also participate in religious education at Colegio Regina Martyrum. They are present at the Universidad Católica del Uruguay. In these spaces, they share their faith with children and adults.
Armando Chico Mendoza arrived from Peru. He chose August 15th. The Virgin Mary has always been his guide. He consecrated his priesthood to Mary. His first mass was celebrated in 2002. He wanted her to protect him in this new mission. Armando belongs to Pro Ecclesia Sancta. Father Pablo Menor founded it in 1992.
The congregation received the parish. It was difficult in pastoral and financial matters. The infrastructure was also in disrepair. Peruvian friends helped improve the church. They improved the house and offices. This motivates the community. Mendoza is assisted by Mario Noguerol. José Manuel and Raúl are also part of the same congregation.
Beatriz Barlocco has been a member for over 10 years. She lives in the neighborhood. She supports all parish activities. This ranges from distributing meals to teaching catechism. She says things have changed for the better. The new congregation brought new ideas. They introduced the Holy Hour.
Mendoza once worked at a sanctuary in Lima. It had 800 to 1200 attendees at Sunday Mass. The small number of attendees here struck him. It was a challenge. On his first day, only one person attended his mass.
Since then, the work has been intense. Mendoza motivates the faithful. Baptisms have increased. More people attend mass. There are more marriages and confessions. He also works at Colegio Regina Martirum. He serves as chaplain, teacher, and pastoral coordinator.
The situation is not easy. Yet Mendoza is enthusiastic. He believes in the community. The people are good and helpful. They are committed. New people have arrived. They come from the neighborhood and beyond.
José Manuel and Raúl help the community grow. They collaborate in the school and parish. They also continue their studies. José Manuel works with eight children. They will receive their first communion. He supports the soup kitchen. Soon he will prepare young people for confirmation.
Some children do not know the Lord’s Prayer. Teaching them is a challenge. None have received communion. He explains the parts of the mass.
Beatriz says the community is warm. It is growing every day. The neighborhood integrates little by little. Mass is celebrated at the main altar. The Word of God is reaching more people.
Mendoza agrees that the neighbors are enthusiastic. They share what they have. They care about the religious. They promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They recite the prayer of consecration. They also spread Marian devotion. Both images are displayed in the temple.
Larrea defines the few Uruguayans he knows. They are respectful. They treat each other informally. This is different from Peru. Children are receptive. He explains things simply. He uses materials that help them. They like it.
The Iglesia de la Anunciación’s soup kitchen operates every Saturday. It provides meals to 60 families. Non-perishable foods are distributed on Wednesdays. Around thirty bags are given out. A group of faithful carries out these tasks.
Father Armando organizes events. Holy Week is approaching. The temple is preparing. They are awaiting government regulations. The spacious temple allows for distancing. It is well-ventilated. Thirty percent capacity allows seventy people.
Faith in Uruguay is a challenge. The Catholic Church must reclaim spaces. It must inject more enthusiasm. It must awaken faith in the people. Uruguayans are pious. The growth of sects shows they seek the supernatural. They must be shown the true path of Christ.
The Iglesia de la Anunciación remains open. Instrumental music plays. Passersby can forget their routine. They can enter and enjoy the silence. Eucharistic adoration takes place on Thursdays.