Explore the tremendous legacy of Father Antonio Ronchi

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Undiscovered Patagonia

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Trail stats

Distance: 0.58 mi
Elevation gain: 0 ft
Technical difficulty: Easy
Elevation loss: 0 ft
Max elevation: 889 ft
TrailRank: 25
Min elevation: 866 ft
Trail type: One Way

Coordinates: 7
Uploaded: July 6, 2014
Recorded: July 2014

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near Villa O'Higgins, Santa Cruz (Argentina)

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Itinerary description

The inspiring life and works of this self-proclaimed “rascal priest” provide a window into the culture and history of our unique corner of the world. We invite you to learn a bit more about one of the most important and beloved characters of Aysén. Father Antonio Ronchi arrived in Chile in 1960, at the age of 30, and dedicated the remainder of his life to work within her most rural and isolated communities. He had many loyal followers and friends within Aysén, but he also had his critics; many of his peers did not agree with his focus on the poorest and most isolated communities of the region and others did not approve of his methods, which they considered uncommon and unconventional. Father Ronchi’s works are so numerous that you could stop in almost any town or village in the region and ask for recommendations on where to go and what to see relating to his mission. Here are a few examples that will get you started.

Waypoints

Museum of the Patagonia

Along the northern side of the Plaza de Arms you will see a yellow building. In 1977, Fr. Ronchi and the community built this building as a church. Currently, it is the Museum of the Patagonia, dedicated to Fr. Ronchi, honoring his decades of work for the development of the region. Museum exhibits include aspects of his work, especially his projects in Villa O’Higgins and several historical objects that depict the colonization and local traditions of the sector. You can also visit his private quarters in a small room to the side of the church, where he had his personal possessions and readings materials. Seven km north of Villa O’Higgins, just before you reach the Van Schouwen Bridge over the Mayer River, you will encounter a road leading to your right. Turn right to follow this side road, which follows the course of the Mayer River for 47 Km, before arriving at the Mayer River Border Control Post. About 18 Km from the crossing, you’ll encounter the emblematic chapel set back in a small meadow, on the right side of the road, that makes use of a pioneer building practice called Canogas, which consists of hollowing out tree trunks and interweaving them to form a roof. Fr. Antonio Ronchi built the Chapel with help from residents of the communities of Villa O’Higgins and the Mayer River Valley.

Plaza de Arms Villa O'Higgins

In addition to the sites we've highlighted, you can find Fr. Ronchi’s works in almost all of the towns and villages of Aysén: Puerto Gala, Puerto Gaviota, Raúl Marín Balmaceda, La Junta, Lago Verde, Puyuhuapi, Villa Amengual, La Tapera, Puerto Cisnes, Villa Ortega, Villa Cerro Castillo, Puerto Ibáñez, Bahía Murta, Fachinal, Los Ñadis Sector, Caleta Tortel, Puerto Yungay, Mayer River Sector and Villa O’Higgins. The tomb of the beloved missionary is in Puerto Aysén. Almost all Ayseninos share a love and respect for Fr. Ronchi and his work, that you will likely share after learning a bit about him and his incredible life.

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