Don Carlos Casaravilla a notary and politician owned a country house near the Miguelete stream. He lived there since his youth. His land was at the intersection of Camino Millán and the street that today bears his name. There he had his house and a small chapel. Mass was celebrated there for the neighbors. This is the very spot where the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción stands today.
The Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción is more than just a church. It’s a living testament to faith community and the generous spirit of Montevideo’s residents. Originally a small chapel on Casaravilla’s land it grew due to increased attendance. In 1889 Casaravilla decided to build a larger temple. It was designed by engineer Pedro Gianelli and architect Augusto Parcus. The new temple was privately blessed on December 8 1890 before Casaravilla’s family.
In 1900 the church was donated to the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales a French congregation. In 1919 it was officially established as the Inmaculada Concepción Paso de las Duranas parish. The name honors the Virgin Mary and the area’s name.
Many of the church’s interior and exterior ornaments were donated by local families or Casaravilla’s acquaintances. The image of the Virgin was brought from Barcelona at the owner’s request. The outdoor statue of Mary was donated by Father Sacarello Berro. Mrs Nita Llana Vázquez gifted the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Ibarra family donated the facade clock. Different families contributed to the stained glass windows. Even the municipality helped for years paying for the church entrance lights.
The Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción underwent a second expansion phase in 1943 approved by Archbishop Antonio María Barbieri. In 2019 the parish celebrated its 100th anniversary. Neighbors formed committees to prepare the celebrations. Cardinal Daniel Sturla presided over the centenary Mass.
Today the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción remains a vibrant center of the community. Masses are held regularly. There are catechism and liturgy groups. The Mariana Academy offers workshops in crafts painting and sewing. A group visits the homeless providing hot meals. Migrant groups have joined the parish activities. The Contemplative Fraternity Mary of Nazareth helps with community outreach. The parish collaborates with Archbishop Emeritus Nicolás Cotugno and his young Nazarenes on the Casa de Todos mission. Over 70 young Nazarenes participated in a Carnival week mission. The centenary celebrations highlighted the enduring faith and community spirit nurtured by the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción.