San Cosmey y San Damian is a town to the south of Paraguay which is home to Jesuit mission of similar name. Father Adriano Fornoso, who was originally from Brazil, founded the mission in1632.
The San Cosme y San Damain mission was moved several times, but was reestablished in its current location in 1740. The style of architecture is not as impressive as the other Jesuit missions in Paraguay. It was a well known astrological center, which made up for its lack of uniqueness in the architecture. The astronomical observatory was the study center in South America, operated and organized by Father Buenaventura Suarez. The father had kept close contacts with Europe's best astronomers who were well aware of his contributions to the field of astronomy.
Father Suarez invented many instruments one of them being the refractors, making use of polished lenses from crystalline rocks. This was done with the help of Guarani people. They together constructed a pendulum clock and a sundial out of which only the sundial is left in the observatory. The San Cosme y San Damian town has developed, grown and expanded without any damage to the mission. There are 3000 inhabitants worshiping in the church, which proves that the mission is a part of life for the people.
The church is not as sensational as the other missions but has many amazing artifacts of that era making it beautiful and exciting place to see. The side walls have statues of 21 saints standing as if they are the guards of the mission. The sculptures of St. Barbara and St.Joseph were stolen from the mission two years ago, which is not yet recovered. Another gripping image is of Archangel, St. Michael executing the devil. This sculpture of devil is depicted as half male and half female as a fact that,in Guarani language Satan is a feminine word. Still during the towns feast, the original statues are used for the Holy Week processions.
This church has an impressive chair of the 17th century which is decorated with hand painted flowers. The priests of the community use the chair and the biggest honor was that Pope John Paul II used the chair when he visited Paraguay in 1988. Although San Cosmey y San Damian is not the best in architecture; it can engross one with the unique things that it offers.
