Is it peace you seek? Then you’ve come to the right place because right before us stands the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Paz. This is more than just a church. It’s a symbol of reconciliation for Argentina.
In the mid-19th century Argentina was scarred by internal conflicts. The community of Lomas de Zamora sought solace. They yearned for unity. Six times they petitioned the government to build a church. Their seventh attempt proved successful.
Before this final plea a pivotal meeting occurred. Neighbors gathered at Francisco Portela’s farm in Lomas de Zamora. They aimed to unite their vision for a new parish. The choice of a patron saint landed on Señora de Grigera. She was entrusted to commission an image worthy of representing the Queen of Heaven. The image was crafted in Barcelona mirroring Rafael Sanzio’s painting. It depicts a woman with a child offering an olive branch.
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Paz’s construction began in 1860. The architects were father and son Nicol\u00e1s and Jos\u00e9 Canale. Bartolom\u00e9 Mitre placed the cornerstone. The church was conceived as an offering for national reconciliation. Lomas was even called “Pueblo de la Paz” for a time. The name reflected the church’s role as a prayer for peace.
The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Paz’s first section opened in January 1865. The statue of the Virgin donated by Juana Zorrilla de Grigera was enshrined. It had arrived from Barcelona two years prior. The church became a parish in October of the same year. In 1900 the second part was inaugurated.
Later Juan Ochoa and Domingo Selva oversaw construction. They added the transept dome and presbytery. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Paz became a sanctuary. It offered solace during tragedies such as the Chaco War. It also provided comfort during the Spanish Civil War. It was a place of refuge in the Second World War.
In 1957 Pope P\u00edo XII elevated the parish. It became the Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Paz. It was now the seat of the Diocese of Lomas de Zamora. Pope Paul VI granted it the title of Basilica in 1965.
Today the Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Paz stands as a monument. It marks the pursuit of peace. It serves as a reminder of Argentina’s journey toward reconciliation. It continues to be a place where people come together. They pray for peace in their hearts. They pray for peace in their families. They also pray for peace in the world. As you stand here take a moment to reflect on its significance. Think about its enduring message of hope.