SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 5th Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Virgin Mary, housed in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer of Las Chumberas, received a blessing from Pope Francis. This blessing came following a request made by the Bishop of Tenerife, Bernardo Álvarez, to the Vatican in April.
Created by the renowned Canarian architect Fernando Menis, the sculpture embodies motherhood through the depiction of the Virgin holding Baby Jesus.
Crafted from Canarian tea wood on a stone pedestal, the image, now blessed by the Pope, was unveiled by the Bishop of Tenerife during a mass at the Las Chumberas temple. The event was graced by the presence of Fernando Menis.
This act by the Pope marks a significant moment for the Las Chumberas neighbourhood, further enhancing its reputation alongside the critical acclaim received for its distinctive church architecture. The church was recognised with the Religious Architecture Award in 2022 by the Association of American Architects (AIA) and the Faith&Form association, the Concrete Innovation Award in 2012 from the Ambuja Foundation of India, and its establishment in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art MoMA in New York.
The innovative design of the Santísimo Redentor church, also crafted by architect Fernando Menis, draws inspiration from the volcanic geology of the island. Utilising natural light, concrete, and volcanic stone from Tenerife, an austere space was created that seamlessly blends functionality and beauty. Noteworthy for its exceptional acoustics and energy efficiency, the church stands as a testament to meticulous planning and execution.
The construction of this church, spanning over fifteen years, is a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by the Las Chumberas neighbourhood and all those involved in the project.
Conceived as a means to rejuvenate and imbue identity into the neighbourhood, the church stands as a symbol of collective endeavour. Funding for the project was sourced through contributions from parishioners, residents, and local business owners.
