In an atmosphere of deep faith and joy, the centenary of the canonical consecration of the El Carmen Hermitage was celebrated in Barcelona, an emblematic temple that is now the Diocesan Sanctuary of San José Gregorio Hernández.
The solemn mass was officiated by the bishop of the Diocese of Barcelona, Monsignor Jorge Aníbal Quintero Chacón, who highlighted the importance of this temple as “a house of hope, a visible symbol of the Catholic community, a historical heritage of Barcelona and home of the Virgin of Carmen.”
Accompanying the parishioners and religious authorities were the governor of Anzoátegui state, Luis José Marcano, and the mayor of Barcelona, Sugey Herrera, who delivered the comprehensive rehabilitation work that was carried out for a month to restore the splendor to this heritage jewel built in the 18th century.
During the ceremony, parish priest Carlos Quintero, in addition to recalling the heritage value of the church, which is visited by thousands of people a year, emphasized its cultural value as part of the attractions of the Historic Center of Barcelona, capital of the state of Anzoátegui.
The special Eucharist served as an opportunity for the faithful and authorities to make offerings and for a special apostolic blessing, sent directly from the Vatican, to be given to the municipal leader, to honor this milestone.
An iconic temple
From 1926 to 2026, 100 years of historical and cultural transformations have taken place that have marked this temple located in front of Rolando Square, adjacent to the historic Cajigal Theater.
To celebrate the church's dedication, the mayor of Barcelona fulfilled her commitment to renovate the historic temple. This included beautifying the façade, waterproofing and replacing roof tiles, improving over 40 pews with footrests, upgrading the electrical system, polishing the Carrara marble floor, and repainting the interior. The rectory also underwent a complete renovation.
This was recorded on a plaque that was unveiled by the state's first bishop, the governor, and the mayor, in this celebration of profound historical and spiritual significance for the parish community.
The details were taken care of with the permission of the Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPC).
The closing ceremonies moved to Rolando Square. There, the exhibition "Barcelona Arte Vivo" was inaugurated, a cultural showcase where 30 local artists and students from the Armando Reverón School of Arts displayed pieces inspired by the city's religious identity and architectural history.
