Here stands the Church of San Miguel Arcángel. It is a testament to faith and resilience in Buenos Aires. San Miguel Arcángel is more than just a building. It embodies centuries of history and devotion.
The story of San Miguel Arcángel begins with Don Juan Guillermo González y Aragón. This man of Cádiz founded the Brotherhood of the Holy Charity of Our Lord Jesus Christ in 1727. His mission was to aid the needy during sickness and death. The Brotherhood first worked from the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista. Later they acquired land north of the small city. There González y Aragón, now a priest, started building the first church around 1733.
Construction of a more permanent chapel began in 1744. This new structure housed an image of Our Lady of the Remedies from Cádiz. By 1782, the current church began to take shape. It was initially dedicated to Our Lady of the Remedies. The church opened on November 21, 1788. The grounds also included a cemetery for the poor and executed. There was also the Hospital of San Miguel and the College of Orphans.
After González y Aragón died in 1768, his son continued his work. The Brotherhood moved to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat in 1791. They kept the Casa de Expósitos, the hospital, and the girls’ orphanage.
During the Second English Invasions, fierce fighting raged around San Miguel Arcángel. British troops under Lieutenant Colonel Duff tried to advance. They met heavy fire from the city’s defenders. Duff later recounted the difficulty of forcing the church door. He ultimately chose to push further into the city.
In 1822, Governor Bernardino Rivadavia shut down the Brotherhood. He established the Beneficence Society. The Casa de Expósitos became the Hospital de Niños Pedro de Elizalde. The single tower of San Miguel Arcángel was not completed until 1853.
Between 1912 and 1918, the church underwent a significant transformation. Architect Augusto Ferrari remodeled the facade in a Neo-Renaissance style. He adorned it with Venetian mosaics.
In 1983, San Miguel Arcángel was declared a National Historic Monument. However, in 2003, the historic parish house was demolished. This act was a blow to the church’s heritage.
Today, San Miguel Arcángel faces challenges. Deterioration threatens this historic landmark. There are efforts to secure private funding for restoration. The hope is to preserve this vital piece of Buenos Aires’ past.
As you stand before San Miguel Arcángel, remember its story. It is a story of charity, conflict, and artistic vision. The church stands as a symbol of Buenos Aires’ enduring spirit. Its walls echo with the voices of those who came before us.