Santo Niño de Atocha

Ortiz Rodríguez. Although the exact date of the parish’s establishment is unknown, it was granted to the Santo Niño by the second bishop of the Diocese of Chihuahua, Monsignor Nicolás Pérez Gavilán y Echeverría. This date is estimated to fall between February 20, when Pérez Gavilán was appointed bishop of Chihuahua, and August 24, 1902, when the first baptism was performed in the temple, according to diocesan archives. The same date is engraved at the entrance of the church.

According to Parish Priest Simón Benavides, the temple has undergone few renovations since its founding. He recalls that it was Father Royo, nearly 50 years after its establishment, who carried out the first remodeling works. The side walls were straightened, the dome was renovated, ceilings were installed, the cornice was added, the façade was repaired, and the towers were refurbished.

After the difficult times experienced back then, Father Royo, who was of Spanish origin, had to return to his country; however, his work is still remembered today on a plaque located in the temple that reads: “In memory of its most worthy priest / Mr. Pedro P. Royo on his day / May 14, 1922 – June 29, 1924 / Chihuahua, Parish of Santo Niño / The committee for material improvements of the temple.”