Who knew a British family’s former estate would become a spiritual haven? That’s the story of Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Caacupé. This church stands on what was once part of the Quinta Wanklyn. The Wanklyn family were British residents in Flores. They were friends with the Lezica family. They also had strong business ties.
Imagine this area in the 19th century. It was filled with famous quintas or estates. The Quinta de los Lezica was right across from here. It is now known as Parque Rivadavia. The Quinta Wanklyn also served as a temporary residence for Julio Argentino Roca. He received important world figures here when he was President.
Now, let’s jump to the late 19th century. The first religious sisters of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts arrived from Liverpool in 1882. They were a French congregation. Father Juan Bautista Debrabant founded it. These sisters extended their evangelizing mission to Argentina. One version says that Manuelita Rosas asked the Superior General to come to Argentina. Manuelita was the daughter of Brigadier Juan Manuel de Rosas. She was living in England.
The sisters bought the Quinta Wanklyn in December 1882. They used their own money. Construction began on the first chapel of Nuestra Señora de Caacupé in 1885. Monsignor Aneiros blessed it. This happened after its completion on September 15. Padres Dillon and Terrero assisted him. The grounds also included a free school for girls.
By 1906, the chapel became too small. The school was growing. Families in Caballito valued the quality of education. So, the Mother Superior acquired neighboring land. A new chapel would be built. The educational facilities would expand. Alejandro Christophersen designed the new temple. He was a Norwegian architect living in Argentina.
Fast forward to the early 21st century. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Caacupé began welcoming new devotees. Venezuelan migrants sought to keep their faith alive. They collaborated with the pastor. The church incorporated devotions with Venezuelan traditions. Today, you can see images of the Virgen de Chiquinquirá. She is the patron saint of Maracaibo. You will also find the Virgen del Valle. She is the patron saint of Margarita Island and the Venezuelan Navy.
Venezuelans have a strong devotion to José Gregorio Hernández. He was a doctor, scientist and professor. He was also a philanthropist with a Catholic vocation. People knew him as “the doctor of the poor.” The Vatican beatified José Gregorio Hernández in April 2021. He was the first Venezuelan layman to achieve this honor. Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Caacupé enshrines a relic of this blessed Venezuelan.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Caacupé has undergone significant changes. In 1937, the Municipality expropriated it. They intended to use it as a municipal palace. This project was abandoned. In 1983, the Archdiocese received the property. Cardinal Aramburu restored it to worship. This occurred during the centenary Mass. It commemorated the arrival of the Holy Union Sisters on February 18, 1984.
The restoration of the temple began in 1983. The former high altar of the Cathedral was placed in its presbytery. The altar of the tabernacle is made of black marble. It once belonged to Doña Felisa Alvear de Bosch’s private oratory. Later, it moved to the Archbishopric chapel on Suipacha 1034. So, as you stand before Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Caacupé remember its layered past. It’s a story of faith, community, and architectural evolution.