Our Neighborhood Church

Above the roofs of the houses and the trees across the street, we can see the spires of Iglesia de Las Carmelitas (the church of the Carmelites). The building itself is amazing in terms of architecture, a testament to the once important status of the Catholic church in this neighborhood (currently, only 3% Uruguayans are regularly practicing Catholics).  The spires can be seen from quite a distance, towering above all other architecture.  We've been trying for 5 months to find the church open so that we can see the inside!  (Here's a link to a television spot on YouTube; it's in Spanish, but has great views of the interior - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vLagVjCkis).  Although supposedly the church has an active congregation and ministry here in the community, every time we walk past we find that the large metal doors are closed and there is no sign of life.  How sad it is to see a church that is more of a monument and tourist attraction than an open, inviting door for those who are seeking solace and guidance.  Here are some pictures that I took yesterday: