Due to damage the Chapel has been closed to the public for about two years
The altar of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary is empty. The sculpture, which dates from the XVIII century, is kept in the temple of the parish of San Andrés Apóstol.
Sofía Medeles / Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan (Ajijic, Jal.)- The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, is always so present but so forgotten by most Ajijitecos, even as they walk past it at least once a week. Today it is closed, opening its doors only for the meetings of «Sumando Voluntades,» volunteers who came together to raise funds to repair the structural cracks that have closed the Chapel.
A look at the empty altar brings melancholy memories of visits that were made long ago when the so-called «Queen of Ajijic», the little virgin of the Rosary, was present. But today, the walls bear witness to how the group gets excited every time they get a little closer to their fundraising goal.
After the death of Armando, the group’s founder, his companions continue with the work of his last years, especially Josué Ramos, the architect who now leads and manages the project. Ramos is excited to be moving forward, but is always mindful that repairing the Chapel is not going to be easy, and even less so with the inspection requirements of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
As Josué walks the perimeter of the precinct, explaining step by step what is going on, he points out the damage. The foundation was laid on less than solid ground, rainwater leaked directly into the base of a construction dating from the 1700s «little more, little less» made of mud or dirt,, the inclination of the building towards the side of the street that puts a strain on it that could tear it apart.
Josué tells Laguna that, «Everyone has their ideas about what is under there, but there are definitely roots inside the foundation and perhaps even ants’ nests».
He is confident that the methodology for repairing the Chapel is known, and he explains how to excavate the foundation and inject concrete and braza stone in small sections so as not to compromise the structure. He quickly points out, however, that «…hopefully there will be no problems when it comes to repairing the right side, since there are houses over there».
Mrs. Josefina Gutiérrez «Pina» intervenes, saying she is proud of the work already done which you can’t see. The group has already spent 100 thousand pesos between emergency work with PVC pipes to change the direction of the water, payment of fees to workers, architects, and waterproofing. She proudly points out that, «This year the water did not get in».
Meanwhile, not so far from her home, the Virgin of the Rosary is sheltered in the parish of St. Andrew the Apostle, waiting to return to her place, where she witnessed so many happy and sad moments.
At least 700 thousand pesos must be raised for the required repairs that must follow the protocols of a historical monument . Donations can be made to the account number: BBVA 4152 3137 0415 7622 in the name of Honorata Gómez.
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