The final stage of the restoration of Ajijic’s iconic Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Rosario was initiated on September 19, raising hopes that the image of its spiritual resident will return home by the end of next month after a four-year absence.
The tiny stone chapel standing at the northwest corner of the plaza was built in the 18th century on the grounds where Franciscan monks founded a mission convent and hospital in 1531.
The building was closed to the public after severe structural damages and the risk of collapse were discovered. The antique statue of Our Lady of the Rosary and a companion figure of San Sebastían were moved to the San Andrés parish for safekeeping.
Restoration work, under plans authorized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, began in March of last year, paid for through fund-raising campaigns organized by the citizens group Sumando Voluntades.
The project has entailed extensive repairs and reinforcement of the building’s walls, ceiling vaults, roof and foundations. Scaffolding inside the chapel was recently removed so that local architect and project manager Josué Ramos could proceed with the finishing details.
Funding efforts continue with a sale of tamales and atole on Sunday, September 24 from 5 p.m. on Calle Parroquia next to the plaza. Pure silver medals made in the image of the Virgen del Rosario can be purchased from Mónica Gutierrez at the fresh chicken butchery opposite the plaza.
Ajijic pays tribute to the Virgin, its earliest religious patron, with daily devotions throughout the next month, ending with major festivities on October 31.