The Dominican Embassy to the Holy See organized a vibrant multicultural event in the historic San Marcello Church on the Corso, in Rome. This act highlighted the artistic, spiritual, and cultural essence of the Dominican Republic, attracting the diaspora and accredited diplomats to the Vatican.
Solemn Mass opens the evening
The Ambassador Víctor Suárez Díaz presided over a special Mass that brought together the Dominican community in Italy. In his words, he emphasized the value of faith as a bridge to art, preparing the ground for an unforgettable concert. The Dominican Embassy to the Holy See sought to unite prayer and cultural expression in a sacred space of the 4th century, known for its Baroque architecture and its role in papal history.
Concert and artistic performance stand out in San Marcello Church
Dominican talents shine on stage
The blind soprano Janette Márquez, accompanied by the prodigy pianist Samuel García, performed pieces that moved the audience. Their voices and keys filled the temple with Caribbean melodies, symbolizing the vigor of young Dominican people. Subsequently, the painter Melaneo Guzmán created a live work, representing the solidarity between Quisqueyan embassies, in the astonished eyes of diplomats.
The Dominican Embassy to the Holy See integrated these elements to project the Dominican diaspora, which exceeds 2 million people in Europe according to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This multicultural event evokes similar traditions in the Vatican, where Caribbean nations have used art to strengthen ties since the 60s.
Goodbye to the Virgin of Altagracia
The spiritual climax arrived with the farewell of the peregrine image of the Virgin of Altagracia, the Dominican patron. It will return to the island for the Mass on January 21st in the Basilica of Higüey, reaffirming the devotion that unites Dominicans abroad. The Dominican Embassy to the Holy See underscored its commitment to religious roots in a Vatican context.
- Participants: Dominican community, diplomatic corps.
- Location: San Marcello Church, a 16th-century Roman icon.
- Impact: Fusion of faith and art for cultural projection.
This multicultural event in San Marcello Church strengthens the Dominican presence in Rome, where thousands of migrants reside. The Dominican Embassy to the Holy See demonstrates, once again, its role in preserving and disseminating national identity beyond borders.
