“A handful of my Salesian sons are going to Montevideo.” These words echo from a letter written by Don Bosco. It speaks of the origins of this very place Parroquia María Auxiliadora.
Welcome to the Parroquia María Auxiliadora a Roman Catholic parish church. It stands in Villa Colón Montevideo Uruguay. The church is dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. This devotion was deeply cherished by Saint John Bosco also known as Don Bosco.
Let’s delve into the history of this sacred place. The story begins long before this church even existed. Juan Bosco an educator and priest sent letters to Jacinto Vera. Vera was the first Bishop of Montevideo. Bosco expressed his intention to send Salesians to Montevideo. He wanted to start the Colegio Pío. This school would be founded by the charity and zeal of the Bishop.
In 1876 Don Bosco confirmed in a letter that a group of Salesians would go to Montevideo. They would go to the site where the Santuario Nacional de María Auxiliadora now stands. The Salesians arrived in Uruguay. They began building a school in Villa Colón. It was named Pío IX in honor of Pope Pío IX.
Federico Newman oversaw the construction. The Colegio Pío IX and the religious complex were inaugurated on February 2 1877. The church was initially dedicated to Santa Rosa de Lima. But in 1888 it was renamed Santuario Votivo Nacional de María Auxiliadora. Archbishop Mariano Soler blessed it on December 14 1901. Bishop Andrés Rubio officially consecrated it on February 2 1978. This coincided with its inauguration anniversary.
Parroquia María Auxiliadora holds a special place. It was the first temple in Uruguay dedicated to María Auxiliadora. The Archbishop Mariano Soler declared the temple a National Votive Sanctuary. He personally blessed it in 1901.
The temple is part of the Colegio Pío IX complex. The Salesians of Don Bosco have operated the school since the 19th century.
The church is not alone in its dedication. There are seven parishes in Uruguay dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. Others include María Auxiliadora in Montevideo’s Parque Rodó neighborhood. There are also churches in other municipalities like Casupá Castillos and Vichadero.
Today Parroquia María Auxiliadora stands as a testament to faith and dedication. It serves as a spiritual home for many. Its history is intertwined with the story of the Salesians in Uruguay. It all started with a letter and a vision. The vision of Don Bosco to bring education and faith to this corner of Montevideo. Remember the words “A handful of my Salesian sons are going to Montevideo”. They mark the beginning of this remarkable journey.