Historia

The history of the Ave María Expiatory Temple began in the late 19th century, when the congregation of the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, arrived in the city of Aguascalientes with the mission of caring for the sick and providing spiritual assistance to families in greatest need. Given the congregation’s growing presence and the need for a dedicated space for prayer, construction began on a chapel—originally dedicated to the Virgin of Health—located near the Historic Center. The project was driven by local benefactors and the religious community itself, quickly becoming an important gathering place for the faithful.

During the early decades of the 20th century, the church was expanded and enriched with architectural elements inspired by Moorish and Neo-Gothic styles. Its interior was adorned with elegant stained-glass windows and altars, lending it a unique identity within the religious heritage of Aguascalientes. Over time, the site came to be known not only as the Temple of the Virgin of Health but also as the Expiatory Temple of the Ave Maria, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary dedicated to Eucharistic adoration and the contemplative life.

One of the most significant events in the temple’s history was the establishment of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament—a tradition maintained day and night, 365 days a year. Thanks to this, the Templo Expiatorio del Ave María became one of the country’s premier centers for prayer and spiritual reflection. Today, its architectural beauty, the monumental monstrance on permanent display, and its profound spirituality make this sanctuary one of the most cherished and visited religious gems in the Historic Center of Aguascalientes.