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The Uruguayan Church Built in the Holy Land After a Priest's 'Religious Experience'
🇺🇾 Uruguay /Good News

The Uruguayan Church Built in the Holy Land After a Priest's 'Religious Experience'

From El País · (2d ago) Spanish Positive tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Uruguayan church, the Hortus Conclusus sanctuary, has existed for over a century in the West Bank, near Bethlehem.
  • The sanctuary was inspired by a "religious experience" of Uruguay's first archbishop, Mariano Soler, who was moved by the site's beauty and biblical significance.
  • The project involved obtaining permission from the Turkish sultan and overcoming various obstacles, with the foundation stone laid in 1897.

In the heart of the Holy Land, amidst the arid landscapes of the West Bank, stands a unique testament to faith and international connection: the Hortus Conclusus sanctuary. This Uruguayan-founded church, established over a century ago, is more than just a religious site; it is a symbol of spiritual inspiration that transcends borders.

The genesis of Hortus Conclusus lies in the profound "religious experience" of Mariano Soler, Uruguay's first archbishop. Struck by the stark beauty of a lush garden in the desert, which he identified with biblical descriptions, Soler felt divinely inspired to establish a sanctuary. His devotion to the Virgin Mary, whom he credited with saving his life, further fueled his mission to create this sacred space.

The impression I experienced will never be erased from my memory. A garden in the middle of the desert, a flowery paradise surrounded by arid mountains! It is the image of Mary, beautiful, lovely, and immaculate, in the arid desert of this world.

— Mariano SolerArchbishop Mariano Soler describing his profound religious experience at the site that inspired the Hortus Conclusus sanctuary.

Bringing this vision to fruition was a monumental undertaking. Archbishop Soler navigated complex political and logistical challenges, securing the necessary permissions from the Sultan of Turkey and rallying support from various individuals and communities. The laying of the foundation stone in 1897 marked a significant milestone, solidifying Uruguay's spiritual footprint in a land of immense historical and religious importance.

Closed Garden! Sealed Fountain!

— Arab guideAn Arab guide's exclamation that resonated with Soler's vision of the Virgin Mary and the sanctuary.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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