The new Via Sacra connects two historic churches in the eastern capital city of Higuey. On Friday, 13 September 2024, President Luis Abinader himself was in Higuey to inaugurate the pilgrimage boulevard that honors the La Altagracia Virgin.
The RD$115 million project also included the reconstruction of several streets surrounding the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia. The boulevard is a boost for religious tourism in the country.
The President pledged to walk this Via Sacra from the Basilica La Altagracia to the historic church of San Dionisio with his family on 21 January 2025, the Day of Our Lady of Altagracia, turning it into a tradition for both him and the thousands of pilgrims who visit the Basilica.
Abinader recalled inaugurating the San Dionisio church, which historically housed the Virgin of Altagracia, and recognizing back then the need to connect it to the main religious destination, the Basilica.
Tourism Minister David Collado, who was present for the inaugural, noted that after 25 years of requests from residents of La Altagracia province, this project, which impacts the development and strengthening of religious tourism, has become a reality.
The works included an intervention of 9,300 square meters, encompassing the paving of 362 linear meters of the main access road to the Basilica, Agustín Guerrero Avenue.
The project also featured a drainage system and filters for effective stormwater management and road preservation, as well as the construction of 5,120 meters of paved sidewalks and 904 linear meters of retaining walls.
President Abinader appreciated the contribution of the Sociedad Industrial Dominicana (Grupo SID) that enhanced the Pilgrimage Boulevard. The Grupo SID donated 14 stelae, representing the Mysteries of the Sorrows and Joys of the Virgin (Los Siete Dolores y las Siete Glorias de la Virgen María) that enhance the boulevard. Ligia Bonetti, executive president of Grupo SID, expressed her gratitude to all involved in the project, especially President Abinader and Minister Collado.
The intention is for the religious site to be an attraction for religious tourists and those interested in the local culture. The route can start from the San Dionisio Sanctuary and lead to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia.
The works, carried out by the Executive Committee of Infrastructures of Tourist Zones (Ceiztur), also included the reconstruction of the Monsignor Adolfo Nouel Park, spanning 615 square meters. Additionally, the beautification of the inaugurated Via Sacra includes landscaping, equipment, lighting, and underground work for high and medium-voltage electrical wiring, as well as telecommunications and existing cabling.
Higüey Mayor Karina Aristy stated that this was a long-awaited project for all residents of Higüey and had been considered since the planning stages of the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Bishop Jesús Castro Marte of the Diocese of Our Lady of La Altagracia blessed the event and expressed gratitude to President Abinader for initiating and completing this spiritual work, which had been requested by the province’s inhabitants since 1954.
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El Nuevo Diario
17 September 2024