Lima, Peru - 1940 - In December 1940, the restoration and repair works of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima were completed, after being damaged by the earthquake that hit the city on May 24, 1940. After more than six months of closure, the Basilica reopened its doors the day after the completion of the works, that is, December 8, the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.