Aruba, the Caribbean Paradise, Is Proud of Its Catholic Roots
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, only two and one-half hours south of Miami by air and 15 miles north of Venezuela, this Dutch island of Aruba is outside the hurricane belt and boasts year-round great weather cooled by trade winds, and friendly people, who say "Bon bini" (welcome).
The native Aruban is a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, and Caquetio (Indian ancestry), hence its unofficial language of the lilting Papiamento. Dutch, however, is the official language with English and Spanish spoken well.
Aruban oral history tells the tale of the first Spaniards who arrived being guided inland by a local Indian where a cross was erected in honor of the event. In 1968, the event was commemorated with a wooden cross placed on a rocky hill in the town of Santa Cruz. The Spaniards converted the inhabitants (Indians) to Christianity.
In 1750, a Spanish missionary, Domingo Antonio Silvestre, built a small yellow and orange chapel at Alta Vista on the barren north shore of the island, standing in solitary simplicity and reminding visitors of nature's gifts. The twisting approach road is now marked with crosses designating the stations of the cross, which pilgrims follow to the chapel. High on these rocks you see one of the many picturesque views of Aruba.
Santa Anna Church, in the district of Noord, was built in the 1770s. It is well known for its famous 115-year-old handsomely carved wooden oak altar, which won the exhibition award in Rome, Italy in 1870 as an example of neo-Gothic design.
Immaculada Concepcion Church in Santa Cruz is an often-visited religious masterpiece because of its biblical mural that wraps around the nave of the building. An Antillean artist has painted his conception of creation and its subsequent events in all colors of the earth.
The Lourdes Grotto, a lovely Roman Catholic shrine designed and built into a rocky hillside by local residents, is located in the Brazil district.
The beautiful yellow church, Santa Filomena, was built in 1948. Truly this edifice is a phenomenon for me, the author of this article. Filomena is the name of my beloved late mother, who became an American citizen after having emigrated from Italy, was proud of her name and having been named after an Italian saint. Neither she, nor I, however, knew the legend of this 12-year-old maiden. I was awed when I discovered this church and wondered why an Italian saint is honored on a Dutch island. I felt my mom led me to this church on the hill!
I didn't have to look far to find Filomena's statue in the church. There she was, surrounded by fresh flowers with small statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph gazing at her. But the most poignant moment was when I saw Filomena standing on an intricately designed lace altar scarf. My mom crocheted altar scarves, which graced our local church's altar, and some homes. She always had fresh flowers in our house! Yes. Filomena was gazing down at me from her altar and my angel mom, Filomena, was smiling at me from Heaven!
Legend has it that in 1802, excavators in the Ancient Catacomb of St. Priscilla in Rome, came upon a well-preserved shelf tomb sealed with terra-cotta slabs in the manner usually reserved for nobility or a great martyr. The tomb was marked with three tiles, inscribed with the following confusing words: LUMENA/PAXTE/CUMFI. However, if one places the first tile last and separates the words properly, the very intelligible sentence emerges: Pax tecum, Filumena, which is "Peace be with you, Philomena."
Also inscribed on the tiles were symbols: a lily, arrows, an anchor, and a lance, which would appear to indicate virginity and martyrdom. Inside the coffin there were the remains of a girl of 12 or 13 years old, along with a vial or ampulla of her dried blood.
This martyr's remains are enshrined in the village church at Magnano, near Naples, Italy. She's earned the title "Philomena, powerful with God." (My mom came from a small village near Naples.)
I believe many Arubans are praying to Filomena for intercessions and I know my mom would be happy to know the story of her saint and that Filomena is among us everywhere.
During the month before Lent, the entire island participates in festive street parades featuring colorful costumes and floats, music, dancing, contests, and the election of the carnival queen. The main event is the Grand Parade, an all-day celebration held in the streets of Oranjestad, the capital, on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.
Sint Nicolaas Day -- December 5
This is the celebration of Sint Nicolaas' birthday. Traditionally, Sint Nicolaas arrives with the "Zwarte Pieten" (helpers) at the Paardenbaai Harbor in Oranjestad just before his birthday to greet the children and reward them with gifts for their good behavior during the year. Both children and adults celebrate this annual event.
The island observes official holidays and holy days -- New Year's Day, Carnival Monday (official day of rest). Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Christmas Day.
"Must See" Incredible Sights
Charming capital of Oranjestad. This building port city is full of shops, restaurants, and open-air cafes, most of which are housed in quaint Dutch or Spanish-style structures. One-hundred-foot long Natural Bridge. The highest in the Caribbean, the bridge is carved out of coral rock by the rough surf. Five hundred forty-one-foot Mt. Hooiberg. This is known for its haystack shape and is great for climbing. A stairway ascends to its peak from which you can often spot Venezuela.
De Olde Molen. This is a Dutch windmill dating back to 1804 that was transported from Holland. Boca Prins. Nature lovers will appreciate this beautiful cove surrounded by sand dunes. Safari jeep ride. Enjoy venturing through the cactus-studded canucu, or countryside.
The Butterfly Farm. This offers an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity. The tropical garden teems with butterflies from around the globe. Prepare to meet some of the world's most colorful and unusual creatures. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. You'll be awed when you witness the miracle of their first flight!
Aruba's Distinctively-Different Divi-Divi Trees
Keep your eyes open to see Aruba's famous landmark, the divi-divi trees (watapana trees). Their branches grow laterally, being bent by the constant trade winds. They have curved pods, which were once sought by European tanneries for their high tannin content. These graceful trees seem to be extending their branches out to you, welcoming you and inviting you to return to this tropical paradise.
© The Wanderer, 201 Ohio Street, St. Paul, MN 55107, 612-224-5733.
This item 3612 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
