Santiago.- With the presence, for the first time, of the Pope’s representative in the Dominican Republic, the Archdiocese of Santiago began this Thursday the Santiago Apóstol el Mayor 2026 Patron Saint Festivities, an event considered historic for the local Church and which marks the beginning of ten days of religious, cultural, and social activities under the motto “Santiago will be celebrating from July 16 to 25”.
The solemn opening Eucharist, celebrated at the Santiago Apóstol el Mayor Cathedral, was presided over by the apostolic nuncio, Monsignor Piergiorgio Bertoldi, representative of Pope Leo XIV, together with the metropolitan archbishop of Santiago, Monsignor Héctor Rafael Rodríguez, in a ceremony that brought together civil, military, and ecclesiastical authorities and hundreds of the faithful.
During his homily, Bertoldi called for strengthening the family, baptism, and community life, stating that Christian homes must become spaces where Christ lives every day.
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“God wants to dwell in our midst. Where does He find a home? In our families, when they live as a true community of the baptized,” expressed the representative of the Holy Father.
The nuncio recalled that true belonging to the family of Jesus does not depend on blood ties, but on fulfilling the will of God, and invited believers to take advantage of the patronal novena to promote forgiveness, listening, love, and service within their homes.
Likewise, he exhorted the faithful to learn to listen to God and not to limit prayer solely to personal requests.
In offering the words of welcome, Monsignor Héctor Rafael Rodríguez highlighted that the nuncio’s visit constitutes an unprecedented event for the Santiago Church and a sign of Pope Leo XIV’s closeness to the Dominican people.
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“Your presence constitutes for our particular Church a reason for special joy and an eloquent sign of the closeness and pastoral solicitude of the Holy Father towards our people,” stated the archbishop, who thanked him for accepting to preside over the opening of the patronal festivities.
The Santiago Apóstol el Mayor Patron Saint Festivities 2026 will take place from July 16 to 25 with a program that includes Eucharists, concerts, sports, cultural activities, and social action days, organized by the Archdiocese of Santiago, through the Permanent Committee and the Santiago Apóstol Cathedral, with the support of the Provincial Government, the Santiago City Hall, and the Senatorial Office.
Father Regino Alfonso Collado, director of the Archdiocesan Communication Ministry, explained that the program seeks to strengthen faith, Christian identity, and the city’s tradition, while this year coincides with the commemoration of the 531st anniversary of the founding of the first Santiago of America.
The artistic opening of the festivities will be led by the group Chiquito Team Band, kicking off an agenda that will combine expressions of faith, culture, and entertainment for the whole family.
