Here stands Parroquia Cristo Rey a beacon of faith in Villa Pueyrredón. It stands proudly near the main plaza. It is also close to Avenida Artigas. For over 90 years this church has been a vital part of the community.
The story of Parroquia Cristo Rey begins with a need. The growing neighborhood needed a local place of worship. Residents sought to nurture the area’s development through the Centro Católico Cultura y Progreso. Their primary goal was a chapel due to the distance from existing parishes. On January 1 1927 their dream became reality. The first chapel dedicated to Cristo Rey in the country was founded. It was initially under the care of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Villa Urquiza.
Early services were quite unconventional. A tent borrowed from the Instituto de Agronomía served as the first chapel. Every Saturday afternoon it was erected. Young men guarded it overnight to prevent theft. After Sunday morning services it was returned. This makeshift arrangement highlighted the community’s dedication.
By late 1927 a committee planned a more permanent structure. They envisioned a chapel made of sheet metal. It would measure six and a half meters wide and seventeen meters long. This offered a more comfortable space for worship.
August 1931 marked a significant step forward. Plans were made to construct a durable chapel. It would be made of sturdier material. The new building measured eight meters by twenty-three meters. It included a sacristy and other facilities. It stood at the corner of Zamudio and Cochrane.
The current temple’s construction began in 1936. Monsignor Copello allocated funds for the project. Architect Carlos C. Massa designed it in the Romanesque style. On May 30 1936 Cardinal Santiago Luis Copello blessed the cornerstone. He declared that the city needed a temple honoring Christ the King.
The completed building opened on October 29 1938. The inauguration marked a new chapter for the parish. Parroquia Cristo Rey became a central point of faith. It also became a gathering place for the community.
Parroquia Cristo Rey is more than just a building. It is a place of deep spiritual significance. The church is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Parishioners praise the catechesis group’s excellent work. They make learning Christian values engaging for young people. Father Antonio Javier Panaro is beloved for his pastoral work.
The church offers various services. Besides masses it holds confessions baptisms weddings and funeral ceremonies. The main masses occur on Saturday nights and Sunday at midday.
In 2021 Parroquia Cristo Rey celebrated its 90th anniversary. Cardinal Mario Aurelio Poli led the jubilee mass. He encouraged the community to embrace hope. He reminded them of the importance of charity.
Today Parroquia Cristo Rey continues to thrive. Masses are held daily. The parish is led by P Julio César Giménez and P. Antonio Panaro. The church’s secretariat is located at Larsen 2384. You can contact them by phone or email.
You can reach Parroquia Cristo Rey by bus or train. Several bus lines stop nearby. The Mitre train line also has a station in Pueyrredón.
As you stand before Parroquia Cristo Rey consider its rich history. Think about its impact on Villa Pueyrredón. It is a place where faith history and community converge.