Perpetuo Socorro

The Perpetuo Socorro is a Latin Catholic Church located in Santiago, Chile.

History

• The foundation stone was blessed and laid on 12 December 1904.
• The ownership of the land to build the church had been transferred from the Ugarte family by public deed on 26 April 1876.
• The construction of the church began in 1906, coinciding with the Valparaíso earthquake, which caused plans to be modified for additional structural reinforcement.
• The church was built with reinforced concrete and features a Gothic Revival style design.
• Gustave Knockaert, a Belgian priest, designed the church along with Huberto Boulangeot.
• The construction process was halted due to the saltpetre economic crisis and World War I, resulting in some of the original stained glass windows being left bare.
• The church was eventually completed and blessed with a Pontifical Mass in 1919, led by Archbishop Crescente Errázuriz.
• In 1926, the Perpetuo Socorro was declared a Minor Basilica by the Holy See, with Papal ambassador Benedicto Marsella consecrating it as such that same year.

Architecture

• The Perpetuo Socorro features a Gothic Revival style design, with reinforced concrete construction.
• The church has five naves, but only three were completed, while the other two are closed and used as a hallway and a warehouse.
• The roof tiles were made from copper and lead.
• Gustave Knockaert designed the church along with Huberto Boulangeot.
• The high altar was partially made in Belgium with marble and bronze, and was completed in Chile with lingue and American oak woods.
• The interior features confessionals made from roble americano wood and a French pipe organ made by Neuville Frères in 1897.

Location

The Perpetuo Socorro is located at Francisco Solano 230 in the comuna of Santiago, Chile.

The church was originally designed for the Redemptorist congregation, but its location has been modified over time due to urban development.

The church's address is currently listed as Sarmiento Street, although this may have changed since the last available update.

Notable Features

• French pipe organ made by Neuville Frères in 1897
• High altar with marble and bronze construction
• Confessionals made from roble americano wood
• Interior features a replica of an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Heritage Status

The Perpetuo Socorro was declared a Minor Basilica by the Holy See in 1926.

The church has also been recognized as a Monumento Histórico, with its French pipe organ being declared a national monument.

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no information is available on the current opening hours or accessibility of the Perpetuo Socorro.

Notable Artworks and Relics

• A replica of an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
• Bas-reliefs by Spanish artist José Soria
• The church's interior features a number of other artworks, including those created by brother Huberto Boulangeot