Saint Francis Church & Pro-Cathedral
Oranjestad, Aruba
N 12° 31.372 W 070° 02.099
Saint Francis Church & Pro-Cathedral is the main Catholic church in Oranjestad. It is located at J. Irausquinplein 3, Oranjestad, Aruba.
Long Description:
Saint Francis Church is the Pro-Cathedral of Aruba in the Diocese of Willemstad, Curacao - Luigi Antonio Secco, Bishop. The church has a Monday morning Mass at 7:00 a.m., and then Masses on Sundays at 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
An aluminum sign outside the church gives the history of the church. It is inscribed in English and Spanish. The English inscription is:
Saint Francis Church
Saint Francis Church, built in 1919, is one of Oranjestads's most important iconic landmarks. For the longest time, the church tower was the highest point, serving as an ideal reference point for sailors.
This is the fifth church of its name on this location. The first St. Francis Church was build between 1809 and 1813. with walls of plaited branches and a roof of cornstalks, it collapsed during a rainstorm in 1828. The second St. Francis Church was consecrated in 1828. On Thursday, April 22, 1864, the first stone of the of the third St. Francis Church was laid. However, that building collapse even before its official consecration, with only the northern wall, the tower, and the chancel surviving, which was later swiftly rebuilt. In the end, the third St. Francis Church did not suffice either. A fourth St. Francis Church was consecrated on May 1st, 1871.
The church shares many similarities with St. Anne's Church in Noord, which is no surprise since both churches were designed by the priest Stephanus van de Pavert. The Franciscan complex consists of the St. Francis Church and an accompanying rectory. The complex plays an important role in the island's history if churches in general, and those of the Dominican Order in particular.
Construction Period: 1919
Restored in: 2014
Source: Monumentenbureau, Olga van de Klooster & Michel Bakker
The stamp was issued by Aruba on October 28, 2010 as part of a set for four stamps depicting Aruban houses of worship.
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