Iglesia de San Jose Church, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

"May every Church and Christian community be a place of mercy amid so much indifference."     

 Pope Francis

This beautiful but simple Catholic church is a fine example of 16^th – century Spanish Gothic architecture and had changed names many times over the years. Initially it was called Church of Santo Domingo (Tobar, 10) in honor of the founder of the Preachers or Dominican Order, Santo Domingo de Guzman. It later was named to Iglesia de Santo Thomas de Aquino when the Dominicans were in possession of the convent that was attached to the church until 1858. The Jesuits took over the monastery in 1865. Later is was renamed with the current name of Iglesia de San Jose Church or the Parish of San Jose since 1911.

Carols Manuel Rodriguez Saintiago 

This was one of the first permanent stone buildings built in Puerto Rico and is located in the colonial zone at the corner of Francisco Rufino Street and Santo Cristo Street. The construction started in 1532 and continued through 1735 by the Dominican Order which was a part of the Saint Aquinas Monastery.

The first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de Leon was buried in a crypt in this church from 1559-1836. After that date, his remains were moved to the Cathedral of San Juan Batista.. His son, Juan Ponce de Leon II is now buried in the crypt beneath the sanctuary's floor. A famous painter, from Puerto Rico named Jose Campeche is also buried in the church.

This lovely church is almost 500 years old and has survived many hurricanes, wars, and fires and is the second oldest in the Americas. Next to the main altar is Ponce de Leon’s Coat of Arms which still stands as a remembrance to him. There are many side chapels to visit.  One of the side altars is made from cedar by the House of Russ in Barcelona, Spain. The high ceilings are arched making your eyes look upwards towards the Heavens. 

This fascinating church was filled with worshipers who sat in silent prayer the day we visited. It is an active church so quietly walk through. Most of what was displayed in the church didn’t have signs to explain what it was. Some of the walls were not restored showing the original brick and tile. It was fascinating to think of how old this church is and all the history it has been through.

In 2002, they started an extensive restoration of the church which continued for nearly twenty years. They found several painted murals during the restoration including a 19th century depiction of the Battle of Lepanto. The restoration was completed in 2021. It is now open and is free for the public but they will gladly accept donations to help keep this historic church in good order.

Just outside the church is a small charming plaza that has a statue of Ponce de Leon in the middle surrounded by lovely shade trees and benches to sit and relax. This charming park was full of children playing with parents standing around talking with their neighbors.  Just outside the side door of the church facing the plaza we saw three ancient bells. I do not know what they are from or their story as there was no sign.

In 2004, the church was listed on the 2004 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund. In 2013 this church was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's List of the 11 most endangered Historic Places of 2013.

What an interesting church to take some time to stroll around and reflect. This historic church is worth your time to stop in and take a look. It is an easy walk from El Morro. You can visit Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 am - 4 pm, Saturday from 11 am - 7:30 pm, and Sunday 11 am - 4 pm.  The church is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Till next time. Bye for now.