Considering its centennial, can you feel the history radiating from the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion? We stand before a testament to faith and community in the Paso de las Duranas neighborhood. This Montevideo landmark has been a spiritual home for over a century.
The story of the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion begins with Don Carlos Casaravilla. He was a scribe and politician. Casaravilla owned a country house near the Miguelete stream. He lived there since his youth. His property sat at the intersection of Camino Millan and the street now bearing his name. Casaravilla built a small chapel on his land for local residents.
As more people visited his chapel, Casaravilla decided to build a larger temple in 1889. Engineer Pedro Gianelli and architect Augusto Parcus designed it. The new temple was blessed privately on December 8, 1890. This was done in front of the Casaravilla family. In 1900, the church was donated to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. They were a French congregation.
In 1919, the church became a parish. It was named Inmaculada Concepcion Paso de las Duranas. This honored the Virgin Mary and the area’s name. Curates Lorenzo Hond and Alfredo Eigelthinger served the new parish.
Many interior and exterior decorations were gifts. They came from local families and Casaravilla’s acquaintances. The statue of the Virgin was brought from Barcelona. It was commissioned by Casaravilla himself. Father Sacarello Berro of Cottolengo Don Orione donated the outdoor statue of Mary. Mrs. Nita Llana Vazquez gifted the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Ibarra family donated the facade clock. Families contributed to the stained glass. Even the municipality helped. For years, they covered the cost of entrance lighting.
In 1943, Archbishop Antonio Maria Barbieri approved the church’s expansion. The community celebrated the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion’s centennial in 2019. A special mass was led by Cardinal Daniel Sturla on October 26.
Today, the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion remains active. Masses are held daily. There are catechesis and liturgy groups. The Academia Mariana offers workshops in crafts, painting, and sewing. A group visits the homeless. They bring hot meals every Monday. This initiative started with alumni from the Colegio y Liceo Mariano. It is located across from the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion. Migrants have joined the parish community.
The Contemplative Fraternity Mary of Nazareth collaborates with the parish. They help with missions in the neighborhood. Archbishop Emeritus Nicolas Cotugno lives nearby. He participates in the Casa de Todos mission.
In 2019, over 70 young people carried out a mission during Carnival week. Monsignor Pablo Jourdan coordinated the catechesis. Many community members worked enthusiastically for the centennial celebrations of the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion.
As you leave the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion, remember its enduring legacy. It is a story of faith, community, and dedication. It began with a simple chapel. It blossomed into a cherished landmark. The Parroquia Inmaculada Concepcion continues to serve. It welcomes all.