Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph, a revered architectural landmark in Puerto Vallarta, is currently undergoing significant renovations, with a particular focus on the main dome. Constructed in the 1930s, the iconic structure has succumbed to the ravages of time, necessitating extensive maintenance to address emerging cracks and fissures.
Arturo Arana López, the parish priest overseeing the project, expressed optimism about the progress made so far. “We are working on the outside of the dome and are already in the final stretch. We will continue the work later, when we have some funds to be able to address the damage to the inside,” he stated, extending gratitude to all those who have contributed financially to the restoration efforts.
Initially, the restoration of the dome was projected to cost around 3 million pesos. However, prudent management and community support have seen expenditures amounting to approximately 1.7 million pesos. “Fortunately, we are going to spend less than we had initially budgeted. Of course, if we add the external and internal repairs, well, yes, it would be perhaps a little more than three million pesos,” Father Arana explained.
Despite the challenges, sufficient resources have been available to commence the restoration, thanks to a series of fundraising activities. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the availability of future funds.
Father Arana assured that the advanced stage of the exterior work has rendered the structure impervious to rain, which previously posed a significant threat. “Fortunately, rain is no longer a threat because the cracks that existed have been covered. Carbon fiber has been applied to compact the entire dome, and we are now in the process of laying all the tiles. 90 percent of the tiles have already been laid, but now the tiles are like a decoration; water no longer seeps into the dome,” he elaborated.
The exterior restoration work is anticipated to be completed within a month. Subsequent interior restoration efforts will commence contingent on the availability of funds. Detailed plans for the interior were outlined by the parish priest, including the removal of deteriorating paint and plaster, the application of protective chemicals, and eventual repainting.
“The paint is falling off inside, so we have to remove it completely. We have to remove some of the plaster to apply some chemicals and then we can paint it again,” said Father Arana. He also highlighted the issue of the gold sheets that once adorned the dome, which have gradually fallen off due to humidity. “If we have enough money to replace the gold, we will replace it as it was originally,” he added.
Father Arana called on parishioners and the wider Vallarta community to sustain their support for the rehabilitation work. The ongoing restoration of the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph is not just a structural endeavor but a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
For those interested in contributing to the restoration fund, the parish has organized various fundraising activities, and donations can be made directly at the church. The collective effort will ensure that this cherished landmark continues to stand tall, embodying the spirit and faith of Puerto Vallarta for generations to come.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph, a revered architectural landmark in Puerto Vallarta, is currently undergoing significant renovations, with a particular focus on the main dome. Constructed in the 1930s, the iconic structure has succumbed to the ravages of time, necessitating extensive maintenance to address emerging cracks and fissures.
