Devotion can move mountains. Here at Nuestra Seu00f1ora de la Anunciaciu00f3n, it laid the foundation for a vibrant parish community.
Let’s step back to 1937. An ex-student of Salesian, Luis Gnecco, had a vision. He wanted to establish a place for regular mass. He owned a weekend house in Guillón. A neighbor, Arturo Chiodin, donated land in August 1937. This act of generosity set the stage for something special.
Father Santiago Bruzzone arrived from the Hijos de Santa María Inmaculada in 1938. He accepted the donation. On March 2, 1939, a significant day as Pope Pío XII was elected, he blessed the land. He named it Nuestra Seu00f1ora de La Anunciación. This marked the beginning of our story.
Construction began. By September 22, 1940, Archbishop Juan P. Chimento blessed the first part. Regular mass started. Sadly, Luis Gnecco, the main benefactor, passed away a week before the opening.
In November 1948, Father José Sozzi began to visit. By March 1, 1951, he was living here. He shared the house with some seminarists. Father Sozzi became parish priest of Nuestra Seu00f1ora de Loreto in 1955.
From 1955 to 1966, several priests served here. Father Mario Quadraccia was one of them. Others include Father Juan Terenziani, Father Enrique Caleri, and Father Anunciado Sacco.
The chapel became a vicaría on January 24, 1958. Father Juan Terenziani was the first vicar. He created the Apostolado de la Oración. He also created Fraterna Ayuda Cristiana.
On September 17, 1961, a cornerstone was blessed. Bishop Alejandro Schell officiated. The First Lady, Elena Faggionato de Frondizi, and Don Abel Arreses were godparents. Arreses represented the Governor of Buenos Aires.
Nuestra Seu00f1ora de la Anunciaciu00f3n became a parish on August 4, 1963. Father Mario Quadraccia became the first parish priest.
Imagine December 8, 1965. The building lacked windows and doors. Yet, Father Mario celebrated the First Communion mass.
Father Tulio Angeletti took over in March 1966. He started a kindergarten. In 1970, Father Salvador La Terra began building the Capilla Espíritu Santo. Father Francisco Marcoaldi followed in 1978. He opened the Capilla and Kindergarten of Nuestra Seu00f1ora del Valle.
After Father Luciano Embrinati and Father José Bracco, Father Luciano Bosía arrived. He finished the kindergarten. It opened on May 13, 1988. Father Mario Quadracia then returned as parish priest. In 1989, he started the Capilla Sagrada Familia.
Father Roberto Daniel Cancian laid the first stone for the primary school in 1992. The school opened in 1993. The bishop blessed it on May 13, 1996.
Today, Nuestra Seu00f1ora de la Anunciaciu00f3n includes the Monasterio de las Hermanas Carmelitas. It also includes the Casa de Ejercicios Espirituales Nuestra Seu00f1ora de Guadalupe.
The parish is home to many images. These include Sagrado Corazón de Jesús and San José. Also Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús.
Currently, Father Leopoldo Federico Witzel and Father Enrico Roncoli lead the parish. They are supported by deacons José María Gill and Óscar Ángel Mulieri.
The parish has an educational complex. It includes a kindergarten and a primary school. There is also a sports center.
Nuestra Seu00f1ora de la Anunciaciu00f3n continues to thrive. Its patronal feast is celebrated on March 25. It is a testament to faith. It is also a testament to community.