Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad

Gazing up at the Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad, did you ever imagine it started in a small rented house? This striking church, nestled on Avenida Cabildo, has a fascinating story. It’s more than just a beautiful building. It embodies the spirit of the Trinitarian Order. The Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad was officially established in 1917. A decree from the Archbishopric of Buenos Aires marked its inception on May 27th. The inaugural ceremony followed shortly after, on June 3rd. Initially, the vision for the Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad was grand. A towering structure with a steeple and pinnacle was planned. However, due to financial constraints, only the crypt, the lower part of the church, was completed. This crypt is where mass is held today. Step inside, and you’ll find a main entrance and two side entrances leading to galleries. These galleries showcase twelve stunning stained-glass windows. The entrance features a striking portico with two doors. These doors depict angels with inscriptions. One angel, St. Michael, is described as “He who, like God, expelled the angels turned into demons, protector of the Church.” The other, St. Raphael, is identified as the “Medicine of God, patron saint of Tourism and doctors.” More stained-glass windows adorn the doors and other entrances. The driving force behind the Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad was Father Lorenzo de la Concepción. In 1915, he traveled from Spain to South America. His initial purpose was to conduct a canonical visit to the Trinitarian houses under his jurisdiction. However, he also harbored a dream. He wanted to establish a new foundation in Buenos Aires. After his arrival, he submitted requests for the Trinitarians’ admission to the city. In March 1916, his efforts bore fruit. He received the decree admitting the Trinitarian community to the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. The decree, issued by Archbishop Mariano Antonio Espinosa on January 25th, 1916, stipulated that the community should settle in one of the newer neighborhoods lacking religious services. They chose Núñez. The Trinitarians initially established themselves in a rented house on Cubas and Republiquetas streets (now Crisólogo Larralde). As the congregation grew, the house became too small. They then purchased a larger house at Núñez 3543, where they adapted a room into a chapel. This chapel was inaugurated on December 14, 1919. The land where the Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad now stands was acquired in 1924. The following year, they launched a parish magazine, “El Templo Votivo de la Santísima Trinidad,” to raise funds for the new church’s construction. The foundation stone was laid on April 5, 1925. However, financial difficulties halted the project in August of that year. Construction resumed slowly in the following years. The church’s crypt was finally inaugurated on May 25, 1929. Inside the crypt, the main altar features a painting of the Holy Trinity, flanked by representations of the Trinitarian founders: St. John of Matha and St. Felix of Valois. The altar is crafted from marble, onyx, and bronze. The Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad serves as the seat of the Latin American Vicariate and a center for training novices and students. It is a testament to the enduring vision of the Trinitarian Order and the dedication of those who brought it to life.