Here it stands Parroquia Stella Maris a beacon of faith. It has served the community since its humble beginnings. Let me tell you its story.
The Bajo de San Isidro was once a flood-prone area. In the late 19th century some settlers built houses on stilts like those in the Delta. The first recorded Mass was celebrated on March 12 1922. Monsignor Francisco Alberti led it. He was the former parish priest of San Isidro. At the time he was the Bishop of La Plata. Only 14 families lived in Bajo. They were known as “The 14 Provinces”.
The Mass commemorated the third centenary of San Isidro Labrador’s canonization. The procession ended by the river because the church was too small. Mass was held in a makeshift hermitage. For three days there were celebrations with music food and games.
The neighborhood slowly grew. Parish priest Monsignor Pedro L Menini often visited the houses. In October 1960 the “Great Mission of Buenos Aires” took place. The temporary headquarters was a disused shipyard at Estanislao Díaz 918. It was named “El Galpón” Mission Center.
The community dedicated a month to evangelization. Father Antonio Vergara a friendly Spanish priest inspired them. He told them “You must have your own Chapel here”. But no one took on the task.
On August 25 1964 the idea was revived. A group of neighbors met at the Toledo family home. They considered acquiring land near the San Juan el Precursor school. This wasn’t possible but more neighbors joined and formed a commission.
Catechesis began at School No 26. A neighbor started a sewing workshop. They mended clothes for the poor. The commission continued its evangelizing work. They deepened their understanding of God’s Word.
In early 1967 Monsignor Laguna the new parish priest secured a donation. With it they bought a house at España 1016 Beccar. The first meeting took place there on March 17 1967. They placed a large wooden cross in front. Activities started: cooking classes marriage meetings and basement renovations for Mass.
As the community grew a proper church became necessary. The rooms were insufficient. In 1980 Father Juan Martínez promoted the construction of a chapel above the existing house. Volunteers collected coins in milk bottles. The work began. On August 17 1983 Monsignor Casaretto blessed the finished chapel. He had previously worked in the neighborhood.
Floods often united the neighborhood. However they also caused much material loss. Cáritas was created to help those in need.
In 1985 floods made the basement rooms unusable. A new location was needed for catechesis and the scout group. Fathers Estivill and Llambías bought two lots on España 860. In 1990 Father Murall started building rooms. One was named after Elba Ruiz a beloved catechist and community pioneer. It became the meeting place for the first group of young missionaries.
The community continued to grow. In 1994 Father D’Annibale began children’s Mass the liturgy team health ministry confirmation groups marriage groups and Bible studies. They traveled to Luján with the Ribera Chapel. They also celebrated patron saint festivals.
The chapel became too small. People attended Mass from the sidewalk. Christmas Eve and Easter Vigil celebrations were held outdoors on borrowed land.
In late 1997 a warehouse at España 1024 next to the chapel was auctioned. They sold the land with the rooms and obtained donations to buy it. It was an old dilapidated shipyard. After basic renovations the first Mass was celebrated there on Palm Sunday April 5 1998.
Over the following years the old chapel became rooms. The shipyard was transformed into the current church. It fills the community with pride even though it is unfinished.
Throughout its history many dedicated priests and lay people have worked with love. It is impossible to name them all but without them this Chapel and its community would not be what they are today. Parroquia Stella Maris stands as a testament to their devotion.