Through this act of dedication, the altar and the temple were officially consecrated for divine worship and prayer. The event was also attended by prominent figures such as the senator for the province of Hato Mayor, Cristóbal Castillo, and the ombudsman, Pablo Ulloa, among other key authorities.
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The opening of this sanctuary aims to strengthen the path of faith in the Eastern region of the country. By highlighting the historical value of Hoyoncito, the place where Catholic tradition places the delivery of the original image of the Virgen de la Altagracia more than five centuries ago, both the Church and local authorities are betting on the development of cultural and religious tourism. The image, which symbolizes the Holy Family and the Nativity of Jesus, turns this new space of pilgrimage into an engine of economic development for Hato Mayor del Rey. With this, it seeks to attract national and international visitors, elevate the Marian tradition and consolidate the spiritual identity of the nation.
The temple, designed by the architect Elsa Cáceres, is an integral part of the Camino de la Altagracia circuit. This route includes the journey from the National Sanctuary Santo Cristo de los Milagros (Bayaguana); followed by the Temple María de la Altagracia (Hoyoncito, Hato Mayor del Rey); the Santa Cruz Parish (El Seibo); the Church of San Dionisio (Higüey) and the Basilica Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia (Higüey). During the event, an emotional recognition was made to Don Rafael (Tato) Bisonó, his wife Doña Carmencita de Bisonó and their family, who generously donated the structure of the sanctuary in honor of the Virgen de La Altagracia. The complementary works were possible thanks to the funds raised through various activities carried out within the framework of the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Altagracia. The National Commission United for Altagracia and the Association Damas de la Altagracia were fundamental in the process, contributing with activities, financial and human resources to make this temple a reality. Boosting religious tourism in the East. About the Hoyoncito community: Hoyoncito is located in the province of Hato Mayor del Rey, in the Eastern region of the Dominican Republic, and belongs to the Diocese of San Pedro de Macorís. According to Catholic tradition, this is the place where more than five centuries ago an old man with a white beard gave the image of Our Lady of Altagracia to a Spanish landowner who wished to fulfill the request of his youngest daughter, known as the girl of Trejo, to whom the Virgin appeared in dreams. The old man, the next morning, mysteriously disappeared. This sacred place, witness to the Marian apparition that gave rise to the country’s most important national devotion, now has a worthy sanctuary that will perpetuate its memory and strengthen the faith of present and future generations. About the National Commission United for Altagracia:It is an executive commission created and ratified by the Dominican Episcopal Conference for the works of the centenary of the Canonical Coronation of the painting with the image of Our Lady of Altagracia, with the aim of highlighting the historical and cultural importance, of motivating the community to know, celebrate and reflect on the devotion and the role of the Virgin of Altagracia in the identity of the Dominican people and, likewise, to organize the devotion and worship to the Mother of God in this invocation.
It has its offices at the Dominican Episcopal Conference. It is chaired by H.E.R. Monsignor José Dolores Grullón Estrella, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, and its members include: Julio César Castaños, Sonia Villanueva de Brouwer, Kirsy De Los Santos, Rev. Father Isaac García De la Cruz, Lidia Acosta de Rodríguez, Leonor Asilis, Bernarda Checo, Rosángela Torres and Juan Gilberto Núñez.
