The assembly of the first phase of the new altar of the military parish of Calle Mayor has finished, which will be complete in a year
The military parish of Santo Domingo, on Calle Mayor, is launching these days on its main altar an altarpiece in classical forms that aims to enhance this historic 16th-century temple, built by the Dominicans from the disappeared convent of San Isidoro. The artistic piece is already assembled in its first phase and the presbytery is open. The finishing of the upper part and the enthronement of the saints in their corresponding niches remain for later ones.
The temple originally had an altarpiece that was replaced in the 18th century. And the second was sold to the church of San Javier. “In the 19th century, the parish sank and was taken over by the Navy, which raised the dome and made an altarpiece in an eclectic, pompous and French-style style,” explained the military priest, Francisco Muñoz. After various modifications that devalued it artistically, it was replaced in the seventies of the last century by the simple wooden altar, with a post-conciliar air, preserved until now.
“In itself it was not wrong, but it was shocking in a historic church like this,” Muñoz added. So the military priests began plans a decade ago to equip the temple with an altarpiece according to its history and style. The work has become a reality after gathering savings from the parish, donations and part of the money left in the brushes by parishioners and the many tourists who visit it on the days that cruise ships call. At that time, the Military Archbishopric and the Navy have given their approval.
The new altar, “in the late-Renaissance and proto-baroque style”, according to Muñoz, has been carved and gilded by the Arte Martínez workshops, in the Alcarreña town of Horche. The parish jealously guards the amount of the investment, “because it is a work destined to the glory of God, to favor piety and for the city of Cartagena itself.”
five images
The altarpiece has been erected in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, which will occupy the recovered dressing room, in the central position. On both sides there will be the sculptures of San José, Santo Domingo de Guzmán –in memory of the Dominicans–, of San Francisco –by the tradition of the Dominicans with the Franciscans– and, probably, of San Isidoro, patron of the primitive convent, or San Juan Nepomuceno, patron saint of the Marine Corps. In the lower part, the shields of the Military Archbishopric and the Order of Preachers stand out. On the dressing room the national coat of arms shines. The images will occupy their niches throughout the next year, which is when the work of the altarpiece will also end with a Calvary and the Eternal Father in the highest part.
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