Yesterday, the Town Council of San Miguel de Abona joined the southern municipalities that have already endorsed in a plenary session the proposal of the Town Council of Vilaflor de Chasna to designate Brother Pedro as co-patron of the Canary Islands. The proposal had previously received support from Granadilla de Abona, which approved it in a plenary session last June. This decision boosts the likelihood of the first saint of the Islands, renowned for his significant historical and cultural value, being named a co-patron, given his wide-ranging influence that transcends borders and generations.
Lot García, spokesperson for the government of San Miguel, introduced the proposal as a well-deserved tribute to Brother Pedro. The endorsed proposal emphasises primarily the importance of his charitable work, carried out both in the Canary Islands and South America.
Brother Pedro’s beatification in 1980 at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and his subsequent canonization in 2002 in Guatemala City by Pope John Paul II were pivotal moments that cemented his spiritual and humanitarian legacy, which endures to this day.
Strong and resolute endorsement
The City Council of Granadilla de Abona, led by Jennifer Miranda, reaffirmed last June its backing for the initiative of Vilaflor de Chasna, highlighting Brother Pedro’s unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable. Following the approval of the proposal in this municipality, the councillor stressed the significance of his work, “not only in the Islands but also in South America, particularly in Guatemala, where his social impact was substantial”, positively influencing the lives of many.
David Santos, Councillor for Citizen Services, also pointed out that Brother Pedro’s legacy extends beyond the realms of religion, encompassing humanistic and social dimensions. “He holds special significance for society. In Granadilla, his influence is evident in various activities over several decades, such as the trail that bears his name and the evening trek to Ere.”
An enduring heritage that bridges boundaries
Pedro de San José Betancur, also known as Brother Pedro, was born in Tenerife in 1626. He later relocated to Guatemala, where he consolidated his mission, dedicating himself to aiding those most in need. As the founder of the Order of the Bethlehemites, his endeavours included establishing hospitals, schools, and shelters for the destitute, sick, and orphaned. His humanitarian and spiritual legacy, which surpassed borders, led to his beatification and canonization.
The recent initiative by the southern councils to appoint him as co-patron of the Canary Islands underscores his enduring impact and the profound reverence he evokes in the Canary Islands and Latin American community. The endorsement of this proposal in several municipalities not only strengthens the local acknowledgment of Brother Pedro’s heritage but also facilitates the dissemination of his legacy regionally and internationally.
Brother Pedro’s influence transcends the religious realm, embracing diverse aspects of contemporary society, making him a beacon of hope and compassion for the communities of the Canary Islands and Latin America.
