Cerrito 2345, Lomas del Mirador, Argentina

In October 2008, the image of Our Lady Help of Christians was solemnly installed in the parish church of Our Beloved Fatima Lady in Lomas del Mirador, Argentina. The initiative for the installation was taken by Father Pablo Caruso, as the Slovenian community living in this part of Buenos Aires is deeply connected to the establishment of the church in 1960. The church was designed by architect Marjan Eiletz, the cross was made by artist and sculptor Ivan Bukovec, and the stained glass windows were created by artist Marko Jerman. Many Slovenes from the area provided financial and labor assistance.
The celebration took place on the evening of Saturday, October 25. The Mass was led by Father Pablo Caruso, with the participation of Monsignor Jure Rode, the delegate of Slovenian pastoral care in Argentina, Nestor Sato, and Lazarist Father Pavle Novak. Deacon Janez Perharič also participated. During the Mass, a choir led by Marcelo Brula sang. In his sermon, Father Caruso emphasized the importance of the initiative for building the church. He mentioned that, alongside the church, the parish school was established, which now educates 1,800 children. The school also has a sports center regularly attended by about five hundred families (the gymnasium of this center is named “Gimnasio padre Felipe” after Slovenian priest Filip Žakelj, who, after his retirement, continued to help the parish priest and was highly regarded by the parish community).
Father Caruso compared the parish to a large tree that grew from a seed planted more than forty years ago, under which the faithful today find refuge. He emphasized that the installation of the image of Our Lady Help of Christians is a tribute to the parish community and the Slovenian local community, who were accompanied and protected by Our Lady in key moments of their lives, when they had to flee their homeland, survive in refugee camps, and adapt to life in their new homeland.

After Communion, the solemn “enthronement” took place. Our Lady Help of Christians now has her place in the parish church “Nuestra Señora de Fátima” (Our Lady of Fatima) and in the hearts not only of Slovenian faithful but also of all those who come to her. Before the blessing, greetings from Cardinal Rode and Archbishop Uran were also played. The ceremony concluded with a powerful rendition of “Mary Through Life.” Commemorative cards were a gift from the National Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians in Brezje. The entire ceremony was broadcast live by the Catholic radio station Radio Sintonía.