While the construction of this church began in 1857, well into the 19th century, it is located just upon where the Ermita (hermitage) de San Miguel used to stand during colonial times. The hermitage was built under the orders of the then governor, Marín de Poveda, in 1699. His successor took on the task of sumptuously adorn it, but being located in a very dangerous neighborhood, the church was abandoned until it was donated to the Mercedarian order, which took control of the place. Subsequently the order built a convent and a school next to the hermitage.

This building witnessed the triumphal entry of general Manuel Bulnes after winning the Battle of Yungay in 1839. For these purposes, a triumphal arch was built through which the victorious army passed and was welcome by citizens.

In 1857, authorities decided to build a temple upon where the San Miguel hermitage used to be located. Therefore, construction works took place next to the old hermitage under the direction of the German architect Francisco Stolf. However, works were stopped during a long period of time. Once works were resumed, the temple could be completed in 1883, 26 years after the laying of the first stone. It was baptized as La Gratitud Nacional (National Gratitude) to commemorate battles won during the War of the Pacific and keep a vigil on the Chilean soldiers fallen during the war.

In 1879, monsignor Ramón Ángel Jara bought the lands where the old and colonial hermitage used to be located, next to the temple under construction, and built a chapel-mausoleum in order to shelter the remains of compatriots fallen in the War of the Pacific, who were raised to the category of heroes of the nation.

Later, by early 20th century, Italian architect Ignacio Cremonesi, who had participated in the design of other religious architectural projects in the capital, was hired to design church’s façade. His design comprised a large central tower with a tower bell over the main entrance, which would add enhanced height and presence in the landscape of Santiago in 1900. Unfortunately, such a tower was never built, so Cremonesi’s project was left incomplete.

During the 20th century, La Gratitud Nacional church was also an important part of history, starring in a leading role. In 1954, its name was changed to Santuario de María Auxiliadora, as is also known nowadays. Nevertheless, in 1973 it became widely known, because there the new military government, by means of a coup d’état, carried out the traditional Te Deum during the celebration of the national holidays in Chile. In 1989, it was declared National Monument.

The earthquakes that struck the city in 1985 and 2010 caused moderate damages, in particular in the statuary and decorative arts, so it had to close its doors to worshippers in order to be repaired. It was re-opened in 2012.

Due to its central location, a pivotal point of marches and manifestations, during the 21st century it has been subjected to lootings, fires and damages in general, mainly caused by protestors fighting for a reform of Chilean education law. Certainly, the most controversial situation occurred on June, 2016, when group of masked men, during a student protest, broke into the church, took out a statue of a crucified Christ and destroyed it in the street.

Currently, the temple is opened to the community on restricted times, as a result of the damages suffered over time. The church is still holding its breath waiting for, as its name suggests, national gratitude.