With joy, deep devotion, and notable neighborhood participation, the Arrecife neighborhood of Altavista once again paid homage to its Patron Saint, Saint Anthony Mary Claret, affectionately known by Canarians as "El Padrito." A celebration marked by faith, solemnity, and a sense of belonging to a neighborhood that, year after year, keeps one of its most cherished religious traditions alive.
At 6:00 PM last Saturday, coinciding with the feast day of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, the parish church of Altavista opened its doors to welcome numerous residents and visitors who, faithful to this significant event, gathered in the temple to share a celebration that once again highlighted the affection and admiration the neighborhood professes for its Patron Saint.
The temple was adorned in its finest for the occasion, decorated with care and dedication by the neighborhood women who, with tenderness and exquisite attention to every detail, ensured everything was ready for such an anticipated event. In an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty, the image of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, presented on its throne with elegant and delicate floral ornamentation, presided over the temple, becoming the center of all eyes and the devotion of those present.
The Eucharistic celebration was of particular significance, presided over by the Reverend Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, His Excellency Don José Mazuelos Pérez, and concelebrated by Don Juan Carlos Medina, parish priest of San Ginés and diocesan vicar for Lanzarote, La Graciosa, and Fuerteventura, along with Father Samuel Alirio, from the Arrecife Pastoral Unit.
The Eucharist unfolded in an atmosphere of solemnity, fervor, and participation, accompanied musically by the San Ginés Parish Choir, directed by Professor Héctor Araya, whose songs contributed to enhancing the solemnity of a celebration lived intensely by the faithful.
One of the most notable moments of the day was, without a doubt, the homily delivered by His Excellency José Mazuelos Pérez. With the closeness and simplicity that characterize him, the bishop addressed the attendees to recall the life, missionary dedication, and virtues of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bringing his figure closer to the faithful and highlighting the relevance of his spiritual legacy.
During his speech, he highlighted that San Antonio María Claret is not a saint distant in time nor a figure alien to our history, but someone who walked this very land. Between 1848 and 1849, he traveled through the Canary Islands as an apostolic missionary and, during his stay in Lanzarote, he preached in Teguise and Arrecife.
A presence that left its mark on the memory and hearts of the islanders, who, with the affection and familiarity that characterize our people, affectionately call him "El Padrito". An endearing nickname that reflects the closeness with which the Canarian people embraced the figure of the missionary and which, as the prelate recalled, was also expressed in Claret's own words, who confessed that the Canarians had "stolen his heart".
After the Eucharistic celebration, one of the most anticipated moments arrived: the processional exit of the image of the Patron Saint through the streets near the parish church. The procession was led by the La Unión Musical de Lanzarote Music Band, under the direction of Professor Alfonso Duro Cabezón, whose chords announced the passage of the procession and added solemnity and emotion to the route.
Behind the band advanced the image of San Antonio María Claret, accompanied by Monsignor José Mazuelos Pérez, the celebrating priests, and numerous parishioners who, with respect and devotion, walked alongside their Patron Saint through the streets of Altavista.
Neighbors and visitors came out to meet the procession, participating in a scene that once again united the neighborhood around its beliefs, its customs, and a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It was a route full of symbolism, in which music, prayers, and expressions of affection towards the image of the Saint merged into a single expression of shared faith.
Upon returning to the parish church, the image was bid farewell amidst the chords of the music band and the applause of those present, putting the finishing touch to a particularly emotional day. A farewell that made evident, once again, the deep bond that unites the residents of Altavista with San Antonio María Claret, "El Padrito", their beloved Patron Saint.
A celebration that transcends the religious
Beyond the liturgical acts and the processional route, the festivity once again became an occasion for reunion, coexistence, and strengthening the bonds that unite neighbors. Because these celebrations are part of the soul of the neighborhoods: they preserve the memory of those who preceded us, keep traditions alive, and offer new generations the opportunity to know and share the spiritual and cultural legacy of their community.
The day experienced in Altavista was, in short, a beautiful manifestation of faith, affection, and devotion. One of those celebrations that remain in memory for the emotion of the shared moments and for the satisfaction of seeing that, year after year, the neighbors continue to respond to the call of their Patron.
And it is that, around Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Altavista found itself again. The neighbors gathered once more to share our faith, renew our admiration for "El Padrito," and demonstrate that the feeling of belonging to a neighborhood is also built through its traditions, its gatherings, and those small great moments that unite people.
A heartwarming day that left the best memories in the heart of Altavista and reaffirmed, with emotion and pride, that devotion to Saint Anthony Mary Claret continues to be a beautiful link between the past, the present, and the future of this beloved Arrecifeño neighborhood.
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