Doesn’t that dome seem to bless the entire city of Buenos Aires? That is Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa. This Neo-Romanesque church stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the power of devotion.
Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa’s story began around 1930. The devotion to the Miraculous Medal was already widespread in Buenos Aires. People felt the need for a dedicated church.
The Daughters of Mary and the Daughters of Charity played a crucial role. They raised funds for the construction. Adelia Arilaos de Olmos, a Pontifical Marchioness, significantly contributed to its completion. She was a major patron of the time.
Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa was inaugurated on November 22, 1941. The church boasts over 150 stained-glass windows. These were crafted by the Catalan artist Antonio Estruch. A large image of the Miraculous Virgin crowns the dome. It rises over 50 meters high.
Its location next to a main highway provides visibility. Many passengers greet the Virgin. They entrust themselves to her protection.
Pilgrims have always flocked to Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa. They seek favors. They offer thanks for blessings received. The church functions as both a parish and a shrine. Officially, it was declared a shrine in 1982 by the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires.
Vincentian missionaries play an active role here. They celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. The shrine offers grace. Pilgrims confess or seek blessings. Some simply talk with a priest.
The 27th of each month sees increased pilgrimage. November 27 is the patronal saint’s feast day. A massive procession occurs around the park. It is located in front of Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa. Masses and confessions take place all day. Countless miracle stories are shared by grateful pilgrims. These miracles touch family, health, and work.
The missionary priests support various movements and institutions. They animate the liturgy. They proclaim the Gospel. They care for the neediest. This reflects the Vincentian charism.
The Miraculous Medal Institute is connected to the church community. It has almost one thousand students. They are spread across initial, primary, and secondary levels.
Each November, the community prepares for the Novena. This is a patronal feast honoring Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. They entrust their missionary work to her.
The construction of Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa involved many figures. The Sisters Daughters of Charity involved Mrs. Olmos. She had inherited a fortune. She led the Pro-Santuario commission.
Adelia Hiralaos de Olmos became the main financial source. She personally oversaw construction details. Her palace served as a meeting place for the commission. The Vatican named her Marquesa Pontificia for her charitable actions.
Father Mattías became the first Párroco. He and Mrs. Olmos decided on every detail. This included marble colors and stained-glass designs. The large donation covered over half the construction costs.
The remaining funds came from private donations and community activities. French architects Favré and Trouvé were initially hired. Their design was rejected by Cardinal Copello. He possibly disliked its Gothic style or its height.
In 1934, the Parroquia de la Medalla Milagrosa was officially formed. Father Esteban Mattías led the project. The cornerstone was placed at the corner of the Avenidas Asamblea and Curapaligüe. President of the Nation, Cardinal Copello, and Mrs. Olmos attended. Architect Carlos Massa presented the new project.
The final plans were approved in 1938. The neo-Romanesque temple features three naves. It has a transept and two towers. The facade includes a six-bell carillon. It has four clocks. An impressive hexagonal dome rises 40.70 meters.
In 1938, the 5.30-meter-tall image of the Virgin was blessed. Sculptor Santiago Chierico created it. The long-awaited inauguration occurred in 1941. It was a grand ceremony with ecclesiastical and national authorities.
Nuestra Señora de la Medalla Milagrosa stands as a symbol of hope. It is a place of prayer. It is a testament to faith’s enduring power in Buenos Aires.