El Alfarcito

Ecclesial Community in Northern Argentina

 

November 2022

 

by Ravi Chandra Gundakaram


El alfarcito is a community in a remote mountainous region in the Quebrada del Toro, on the way to San Antonio de los Cobres from Campo Quijano. It was established by the Rev. Sigfrido Maximiliano Moroder, affectionately known as “Padre Chifri”. It seems he used to reach remote mountain communities by paraglider, until an unfortunate accident while left him paralyzed. El Alfarcito was established by him after his mobility got reduced, and according to a signboard on the premises, is today an ecclesial center for training, production, tourism and crafts. There is a small shop on the premises that serves tea and some delicious local snacks.

A view of the community.


A view of the Church on the premises, around which the community is built.


Inside the Church. The mortal remains of ‘Padre Chifri’ are interred here.


A photograph of ‘Padre Chifri’ below the altar.


Another view inside the Church. The words to the left read, “Unites us with the desire to do good.”


There is a school as part of the community where the children are mostly from indigenous local communities. I asked if I could take a few photographs of the lovely kids, but was not granted permission.


The well-stocked library in the school.


An embroidered wall-hanging in the canteen, showing ‘Padre Chifri’.



See you in San Antonio de los Cobres, Folks!
Location: El Alfarcito, Salta Province, Argentina

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