Canary Islands Prepare for 400th Birthday of First Saint Brother Pedro
The Canary Islands are celebrating the 400th birthday of Saint Brother Pedro, their first saint, with major events in his birthplace of Vilaflor de Chasna, Tenerife, and ongoing tributes to his legacy of charity and humility.
The Canary Islands are preparing for a significant religious and public celebration: the 400th birthday of Pedro de San José de Bethencourt, also known as Brother Pedro. He was the first saint from the Canary Islands. Reports indicate that Vilaflor de Chasna, his birthplace in Tenerife, is organizing many events. These will honor his lasting impact, which reached far beyond the islands, especially in Central America.
The main event is scheduled for next Saturday, the 21st, at the San Pedro Apóstol parish. This is the very church where Brother Pedro was baptized. A special mass will be led by the Bishop of Tenerife, Eloy Alberto Santiago. Many important guests are expected, including civil and military officials from across the Canary Islands. Mayors from the nine municipalities in the Chasna Isora region, where Brother Pedro is considered 'perpetual mayor,' will attend, along with representatives from the Cabildo (island council). During the ceremony, each mayor and the island's representative will receive a special medal to mark this 400th anniversary. The religious service will be followed by a procession, and the day will end with a cocktail reception.
Before this main celebration, the Vilaflor de Chasna Town Council and the Bishopric have planned a tour for a statue of Saint Brother Pedro. It will visit various neighborhoods in his hometown. Next Monday, the statue will leave Vilaflor for Ifonche, in Adeje. There, a reception will be held at El Dornajo restaurant, followed by a pilgrimage to El Hoyo for a mass. The next day, Tuesday the 17th, the statue will travel to La Escalona. People will pay their respects in front of the Victoria apartments, then continue with a pilgrimage to the local church, where another mass will take place.
Agustina Beltrán, the mayor of Vilaflor de Chasna, emphasized the huge amount of planning involved in this event, which has created much excitement in the south of the island. The mayor also mentioned that the celebrations will continue into April and May. This will include a trip by a delegation to Guatemala to visit Brother Pedro's tomb.
Brother Pedro, the first Canarian saint, left a lasting legacy of universal values. He arrived in Guatemala in 1651 at the age of 25 and founded the Bethlemite Order. From Central America, he dedicated himself to helping those most in need. He is remembered for his strong commitment to humility, charity, solidarity, and equality – principles that, as the mayor noted, are important to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.