Parroquia María Auxiliadora (Mary Help of Christians Parish), San Salvador

The Mary Help of Christians Parish, affectionately known as "Don Rúa", refering to Blessed Michele Rua, is one of San Salvador’s most recognizable landmarks. Established as a parish in 1953, the church was built by the Salesian order to replace a smaller seminary chapel and to honor Mary Help of Christians-a cherished devotion in Catholic tradition.

The church’s architecture is impressive, with its 90 meters tower-making it for a long time the tallest structure in the capital. Adorning the tower is a dome crowned by a copper statue of Mary Help of Christians. The tower also displays four illuminated Dutch‑made clocks, and beneath them, a magnificent set of 40 bells-five of which chime separately and the remaining form a full bell carillon.

Inside, the church is richly decorated with stained-glass windows imported from Italy and Spain, illustrating episodes from the Virgin Mary’s life along with key moments of the story of salvation. Its central nave extends in the form of a traditional basilica cross, while in the transept, mosaics portray the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel-painted by the Austrian artist Juan Fuchs.

Beyond its architectural majesty, on its grounds, the "Mamá Margarita" dining hall provides meals for the poor and elderly, while a parish-run clinic and a school serve the broader community.