Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
Roman Catholic Diocese of Mayagüez·Roman Catholic·Puerto Rico
Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is the Roman Catholic cathedral for the Diocese of Mayagüez in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Originally a parish church established in the 18th century, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1976. The cathedral is known for its historical significance, including being the site where thousands of enslaved children were baptized and emancipated.
Key Facts
- ›The first church on the site was built of wood in 1763, three years after the city's founding.
- ›The first masonry building was erected in 1780, designed with classical lines and two octagonal towers.
- ›The church was significantly damaged by the San Fermín earthquake in 1918, leading to the demolition of its towers.
- ›Reconstruction efforts began in 1922, with a design by architect Don Luís f. Nieva retaining similar aesthetics to earlier plans.
- ›It became a cathedral in 1976 following the establishment of the Diocese of Mayagüez.
- ›A major remodeling, guided by architect Carlos Juan Ralat, was completed in 2004, restoring the towers and incorporating original plans.
- Baptismal Font Used For the 'Waters of Liberty' Emancipation Events
- Two Octagonal Towers
- Crypts Containing the Remains of City Founders
Vicente Piera, LuíS Perocier, LuíS F. Nieva, Carlos Juan Ralat
About Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
The Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, also known in English as Our Lady of the Candelaria Cathedral, serves as the principal church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mayagüez. It is prominently situated in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, facing the Colón Main Square and the town hall.
History and Construction
The origins of the cathedral trace back to 1763, with the construction of its first wooden church on land donated in 1760. The foundation of the city itself dates to 1760. A subsequent masonry building was erected in 1780, featuring classical architectural lines, a flat pediment, and two octagonal towers, with approved drawings by architect Vicente Piera dating from 1833. This early structure experienced damage from a lightning strike in 1854, which necessitated repairs to one of its towers.
A significant period of reconstruction began after the San Fermín earthquake on October 11, 1918, which devastated the towers. Architect Don Luís Perocier was initially commissioned for new plans, and while his designs were not fully adopted, the subsequent church built in 1922, under the reconstruction direction of architect Don Luís f. Nieva, retained similar aesthetics. These plans were influenced by earlier designs that included pointed and Gothic arches.
In 1976, Pope Paul VI established the Diocese of Mayagüez, leading to the church's re-dedication as a cathedral. A comprehensive remodeling project was undertaken, led by Bishop Ulises Casiano Vargas and architect Carlos Juan Ralat, adhering to Perocier's original vision, including the restoration of its two towers. This extensive remodeling cost $3.5 million and was completed in 2004, with delays attributed to discoveries of crypts containing the remains of Mayagüez founders, such as Don Faustino Martínez and Don Lorenzo Martínez Matos.
Waters of Liberty
Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria holds a unique place in history for its role in the "aguas de libertad" (waters of liberty) movement during the 19th century. Members of the abolitionist movement, including Segundo Ruiz Belvis and Ramón Emeterio Betances, utilized the cathedral's baptismal font to baptize and emancipate thousands of enslaved black children. By purchasing enslaved children and having them baptized immediately after their freedom was secured, the movement effectively granted them their liberty. The baptismal font from this era is still in existence, privately held by a local family.
Significance
As the seat of the Diocese of Mayagüez, the cathedral plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the region. Its historical architectural evolution, from its early wooden structure to its present form, reflects the city's development and resilience. The legacy of the "waters of liberty" adds a profound humanitarian dimension to its historical narrative, underscoring its importance beyond its religious function.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first church built in Mayagüez?
The first church on the current site in Mayagüez was built of wood in 1763. This was three years after the founding of the city.
What historical event took place at the cathedral's baptismal font?
In the 19th century, the cathedral's baptismal font was the site of the 'aguas de libertad' (waters of liberty) movement. During this period, thousands of enslaved black children were baptized and emancipated through the efforts of individuals like Segundo Ruiz Belvis and Ramón Emeterio Betances.
How was the cathedral affected by the San Fermín earthquake?
The San Fermín earthquake on October 11, 1918, severely damaged the cathedral. It destroyed one of its towers and seriously affected the other, leading to the demolition of the remaining parts of the towers.
When did the church become a cathedral?
The church was re-dedicated as a cathedral soon after Pope Paul VI authorized the founding of the Diocese of Mayagüez on April 1, 1976.
What was discovered during the cathedral's remodeling?
During the remodeling, crypts were discovered beneath the cathedral. Among the remains found were those of some of Mayagüez's founders, including Don Faustino Martínez and Don Lorenzo Martínez Matos.
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