The Barrio Arriba parish adds 102 years and a new clock to its vast history.

León, Gto.- This Tuesday marks 102 years since the Barrio Arriba parish was erected, which had its origin in the request made by Blessed Sebastián de Aparicio to a married couple, to build a hermitage to the Lord of Health , so that they could implore him and thus be able to heal under his grace.

Year after year, the anniversary is celebrated to express gratitude for the favors done to the religious community of Barrio Arriba , the most traditional neighborhood in León , the birthplace of tanning and outstanding men.

This year, 2025, on July 6, the celebration was presided over by Archbishop Jaime Calderón Calderón, who called for a revival of the faith, so that it may be a living and active church.

"A temple, a parish, ages when its body—the flock—does not inherit that vocation to love God." He called for people to speak out against injustice and crime and to live according to the Law of Christ: in peace and offering it to multiply God's goodness.

He left that task to parishioners who came for their patron saint and 102 years of his parish.

In 2024, parish priest Salvadora Veloz Ascencio presided over Mass in a modest ceremony to commemorate the parish's 101st anniversary. The Catholic community of Barrio Arriba reaffirmed their faith in God and their patron saint, the Lord of Health.

On that occasion, during his homily, Veloz Asencio emphasized the profound meaning of friendship. He clarified the importance of both words and actions: consistency, as well as combining contemplation with action. He emphasized Christ's love for His Church and His children.

That year, on July 8th, the Barrio Arriba parish church debuted its new clock. The old one, installed with the help of neighbors and a bullfight in July 1941, was replaced. A state-of-the-art clock was installed.

On this occasion, Father Chava , as the neighborhood's pastor is nicknamed, together with the 2022-2025 settlers' committee and a group of benefactors, bought a new Zenit brand, fully electric and with a reel for sacred songs.

After its installation on the 12th of that month, a mass was celebrated presided over by the parish priest Veloz Asencio . Among the benefactors, who were thanked for their contribution, was Dr. Primo Quiroz (RIP). The clock was blessed by the priest, Alexis Rocha Estrada .

One hundred years have passed

The parish's 100th anniversary took place on July 29, 2023. The main mass was presided over by the then Archbishop of León, Alfonso Cortes Contreras , who was accompanied by Bishops José Guadalupe Torres Campos of Ciudad Juárez and Bishop Emeritus Braulio Rafael León , both of whom were parish priests of the neighborhood.

The notable absentee was the bishop for life of Hermosillo, Monsignor Ulises Macías .

It was a grand celebration. The "mañanitas" (small songs) were played from early in the morning, and there were Masses all day, with the main one in the morning. Before the Mass, a plaque was placed inside commemorating the 100th anniversary.

History of the Parish

In 1923, Bishop Don Valverde y Téllez authorized its construction and jurisdiction to serve Catholic devotees of Christ of Health.

According to oral tradition, the image of the Holy Christ was brought by Blessed Sebastián de Aparicio . This is supported by a late iconographic document, taking into account the events narrated in the mid-16th century and the painting from the late 19th century. This painting is in the parish notary's office, where the baptistery of the parish of Señor de la Salud used to be, according to data contained in the monograph by priest Salvador Veloz .

In 1542, Aparicio left the image of Our Lord of Health to a humble couple from Barrio Arriba, Gaspar and Lupe , who were ill. They informed the saint that other neighbors had fallen ill. He gave them a holy image and recommended that they seek refuge in it for healing.

He asked them to erect a shrine to the image where residents could entrust themselves to the "Lord of Health, Lord of Life, and Lord of Salvation." His veneration has been ever since.

Construction of the temple

On October 27, 1895, residents of Barrio Arriba petitioned Bishop Tomás Barón y Morales to elevate the church there to the status of parish. This petition was signed by Francisco Sánchez , Higinio Zamarripa , and Gregorio Meza on behalf of the residents of that area. The document, which remains with the archdiocese, has yet to be responded to. A second petition suffered the same fate.

Later, Father Romualdo Donato demolished the old chapel and began building a three-nave church. He built it with his own funds, with the help of settlers and laborers. Bishop Ruiz y Flores blessed it on July 9, 1903, and laid the cornerstone.

Romualdo Donato did not see his dream come true because he died in 1913. He was replaced by the priest Fermín Aguilera Martínez since the building was unfinished.

Bishop Emeterio Valverde Téllez Sexto decreed the construction of the parish church of Señor de la Salud. It was erected on July 29, 1923, under the command of Father Fermín Aguilera , causing joy in Barrio Arriba.

During the Cristero War (1926-1929) it closed its doors, opening until July 9, 1929.

The current church was the third and final one. Construction began by Father Romualdo Donato Capellán, who spent 23 years, from 1890 to 1913. Father Fermín Aguilera continued the work—on a 44-meter-long by 15-meter-wide site—and completed the vaulting of the church. It was blessed on March 23, 1918.

At that time, there was only a small bell tower. Parish priest Fermín began construction of the distinctive twin towers. This project was completed by Father Marco García , who succeeded him and completed the second tower and the sacristy in 1950.

Parishioners celebrate the Lord of Health on the first Sunday of July, and 2025 was no exception.

DMG