Historical interlude
Heavenly Highpoint by Susan Campbell Rincon’s Catholic Church has risen like a phoenix to become a tribute to the power of faith and persistence. Traveling the road to Rincon you’ll crest upon a scenic summit called Para Mira, which in Papiamentu literally means “stop and look”. If you do, the first thing you’ll notice below is a blazing yellow spire pointing toward the heavens. This is the San Lodovico Bertran Catholic Church.
Photo by Michael DeFreitas
The early Spanish settlers first tried to introduce Bonaire’s original inhabitants to Catholicism, but there were no conversions until Dutch priests began teaching the slaves. The first church, built in 1776, was a primitive affair on Para Mira overlooking the tiny settlement of Rincon. In 1837, the resident priest, Father Smit, decided to bring the church closer to the people. He enlisted volunteers to drag heavy stones into the town; as they toiled, they sang and their voices could be heard throughout the valley. In 1858 when Rincon became a parish, Father Jaonnes te Welscher enlisted another group of volunteers to expand the church. And then – disaster struck. In 1907 a hurricane completely destroyed the townspeople’s labor of love. The church was once again rebuilt and this time consecrated to San Luis Bertran. Over time, the building fell into disrepair until 1977 when Pastor Alcivar rallied residents to renovate the church and build a new tower. The final facelift was completed in 1984 by Father Vasques’s congregation. Today, it stands proudly as a historic monument and a pillar of spiritual strength for the people of Rincon. nights
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