A Holy Walk!
This is Plaza La Candelaria, in the center of Caracas, and here stands Our Lady of Candelaria Cathedral, which for several years now has been the resting place of the remains of Doctor José Gregorio Hernández, or rather, Saint José Gregorio Hernández, who, along with Sister Santa Carmen Rendiles, are the first Venezuelan saints. The plaza has been renovated and is very beautiful, and the new addition is this large statue by the young Venezuelan artist Josué Benjamín, located right in front of the church, and beyond it, a modest statue of Saint Carmen Rendiles.
Since I was front and center throughout the entire canonization process, I can understand why everything related to Saint Carmen Rendiles is smaller. Unlike José Gregorio's popularity, everything surrounding her life was more modest. It seems that only Venevisión knew of her existence. However, for Venezuelans, it has been very gratifying that both have been canonized, and that this woman's story is beginning to be known through the Church and the media. Tonight, I felt the plaza was fresher, very brightly lit, and with a joyful vibe. This has brought happiness to the country, even though we live in chaos and even though not everyone believes in the Catholic religion. Or maybe it's just me who carries all this joy inside. I don't know. I just know that going out for a walk in this plaza at this very moment is a perfect plan to have a good time. I say goodbye with this photo of the Cruz del Ávila, which is already lit, hoping that I'll want to gain and lose those extra pounds I gained in Rome.
