“Ceretti 2622” rings in my mind. Here, in the Villa Urquiza neighborhood, stands Parroquia Maria Reina. It is a testament to faith and devotion. Let’s delve into the story of this church.
Parroquia Maria Reina may seem small. But its history is rich. It officially came into being on April 8 1960. Monseñor Caggiano himself oversaw its creation.
Inside Parroquia Maria Reina, a special image is venerated. It is of San Juan Pablo II. The talented artist Maria Alba Blotta created it. She specialized in religious imagery.
A significant event occurred on October 18 2014. A relic arrived. It was a sample of the blood of San Juan Pablo II. Mario Aurelio Poli the Archbishop of Buenos Aires celebrated its arrival. The relic came from Krakow Poland. It was a gift for Parroquia Maria Reina.
In a momentous celebration Jorge Bergoglio crowned the image of Maria Reina. This image is on the altar. It is a life-size wooden carving. This coronation marked the church’s fiftieth anniversary.
Parroquia Maria Reina also houses a replica. It is of the Virgin of Medjugorje. Pope John Paul II blessed this replica. The story behind this image is compelling. On June 24 1981 the Virgin Mary appeared to six young people. This happened in Medjugorje Croatia. She was known as the Queen of Peace.
The Virgin asked for conversion. She wanted people to pray for world peace. She also wanted people to pray for the salvation of humanity. The Virgin suggested “five little stones”. These could help people overcome the giant Goliath.
The first stone is monthly confession. The second is reading the Bible. The third is experiencing the Eucharist deeply. The fourth is praying the Rosary with heart. The fifth is fasting on bread and water. This should be done on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is a sign of penance.
Medjugorje is now a major pilgrimage site. It is the fourth most popular in the world. Only Guadalupe the Vatican and Lourdes receive more visitors. All of this is connected to Parroquia Maria Reina.
As you stand before Parroquia Maria Reina consider its history. Think about the devotion within its walls. From its humble beginnings to its treasured relics this church embodies faith. It connects its community to something greater. It is a sanctuary in the city.