The San Juan Cathedral (officially known as: Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana y Basílica Menor San Juan Bautista y Parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Remedios) is among the oldest churches in the Americas. It is the final resting place for explorer Juan Ponce De León and martyr San Pio and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of San Juan. The San Juan Cathedral is located in Puerto Rico’s Old San Juan National Historic Landmark District, one of the oldest colonial settlements in the Americas, with a history that spans more than 500 years. The main Cathedral was built in 1521, destroyed by a storm, and later rebuilt in 1529. The Cathedral has features of both Gothic and Neo-classical architectural styles, with vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, a high altar with the oldest crucifix in America, and frescoes on the building which were recently uncovered from underneath decades of paint. The Cathedral is a landmark not only for the local Catholic community, but for the rising number of religious and cultural tourists.

The Cathedral is still recovering from significant damage incurred when Hurricane Maria struck the island in 2017. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, Puerto Rico was without electricity for five months, during which Catholic churches across the island including the Cathedral became internationally recognized relief stations. The food and support provided to people in need through Parish Cáritas, the Cathedral’s social assistance initiative, was critical during hurricane recovery and continues to serve community members today.

A National Fund grant of $500,000 with $500,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation and the Catholic Extension Society will allow the San Juan Cathedral to meet urgent repair needs to building elements damaged by Hurricane Maria. The building envelope repairs to the roof, domes, exterior doors, exterior windows, and façade will continue the Cathedral’s recovery and sustain the building and its congregation into the future.

Courtesy Archdiocese of San Juan