Nuestra Señora de la Guardia

Gazing up at Nuestra Señora de la Guardia, one might hear whispers of its intriguing past. Nuestra Señora de la Guardia isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to faith, migration, and community. The story begins long ago, in 1490, in a small Italian village near Genoa. A humble shepherd, Benedetto Paretto, received a divine request from the Virgin Mary. She instructed him to build a sanctuary atop Monte Figogna, promising him assistance in this endeavor. Doubtful but determined, Benedetto shared the vision with his family. His wife dismissed it, fearing ridicule. Days later, a fall from a fig tree left Benedetto gravely injured. He saw this as punishment for his hesitation. The Virgin Mary appeared again, healing him and reiterating her request. This time, Benedetto began construction on Monte Figogna, known as “Monte de la Guardia” due to its watchtowers. The devotion to Our Lady of the Guard, or “Nuestra Señora de la Guardia,” was born. Centuries later, Genovese immigrants brought their beloved Virgin to Argentina. One such devotee, Ángel Pedemonte, arrived in 1849 and settled in La Boca. He erected an altar to the Virgin after she purportedly healed him from an accident. Fleeing a cholera outbreak in 1886, Pedemonte moved to Bernal, offering land to the Salesians for a church and school dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Guardia. The cornerstone was laid in 1891, with the first mass held on Christmas Eve 1894. The church became a parish in 1914 and a sanctuary in 1919. It became a hub for the community, hosting countless religious and social events. The original brick facade remained until the 1980s, when bell towers were added. The church then adopted its current white and pink hues. So, as you stand before Nuestra Señora de la Guardia, remember its humble beginnings in a small Italian village and the journey that brought it to Bernal. It’s more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith, community, and the enduring power of devotion.