Did the original owners of this land, the Wanklin family, ever imagine their quinta would become a place of such spiritual significance? Right here, before you stands the Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé. This beautiful structure, part of the old Quinta Wanklin, has a captivating history.
The Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé began its journey in the late 19th century. In 1883, the Sisters of the Holy Union acquired the Wanklin property. They established a makeshift chapel and held their first mass, led by Father Juan Nepomuceno Terrero. This simple act marked the beginning of the Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé’s spiritual life. Construction of the first official chapel commenced in 1885 and was blessed the following year.
Years later, the need for a larger space became apparent. In 1906, the cornerstone of the present-day chapel was laid. This new structure was blessed in 1908, with Carlos María de Alvear and Teodolina Fernández de Alvear serving as godparents. The architect behind this elegant design was none other than Alejandro Christophersen. Christophersen left his mark on Buenos Aires with numerous architectural gems. His touch is evident in the romantic style of Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé.
The Parroquia served as the chapel for the Holy Union’s school. The school and the chapel were part of an ambitious plan to move the Buenos Aires city hall to Caballito. This plan, however, never came to fruition. The property was returned to the Archdiocese in 1983. The Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé was reborn.
Cardinal Aramburu led a commemorative mass in 1984, marking the centenary of the Sisters of the Holy Union’s arrival. Restoration work began. The old high altar from the Cathedral found a new home in the Parroquia’s presbytery. A marble altar from the private oratory of Felisa Alvear de Bosch was placed in the sanctuary. This altar had previously resided in the Archdiocese chapel on Suipacha 1034. The restored Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé was more than a church. It became a symbol of renewed faith and historical continuity.
The Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé is also a symbol of Latin American integration. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Caacupé, the patron saint of Paraguay. This designation reflects a conscious effort to foster spiritual unity between Argentina and Paraguay. In 1984, a momentous event further cemented this bond. Monsignor Felipe Santiago Benítez, president of the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference, personally brought a venerated image of Our Lady of Caacupé from Paraguay to the Parroquia. The image was placed beside the high altar, a tangible link between two nations united by faith. The Parroquia Virgen de Caacupé stands as a testament to resilience, a beacon of faith, and a symbol of international unity. It invites all who enter to share in its rich history and spiritual embrace.