Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Oranjestad (must see)

The Pro Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi serves as the principal Roman Catholic church in Aruba and a central landmark in Oranjestad’s religious and cultural life. Completed in 1919, the church has long been a symbol of faith and resilience for the local community. Its tower once stood as the tallest structure in the area, acting as a crucial point of reference for sailors navigating the island’s coast.

The current church is the fifth to be built on the same site, marking a long history of perseverance and renewal. The first Saint Francis Church, constructed between 1809 and 1813, was made of woven branches and roofed with cornstalks, but it collapsed during a severe rainstorm in 1828. A second church, completed later that same year, met a similar fate before it could be officially consecrated, prompting immediate reconstruction using the surviving walls.

In 1864, the foundation stone of a third Saint Francis Church was laid, but this building too collapsed before its consecration. The remaining structure was partially rebuilt, maintaining continuity for the parish community. The fourth church, consecrated on May 1, 1871, was designed by Father Stephanus van de Pavert, whose architectural style closely mirrored that of Saint Anne’s Church in Noord.

The present church, completed in 1919, represents the culmination of these earlier efforts and stands as a lasting testament to the faith and determination of the local congregation. Over time, it has become not only a place of worship but also a part of Oranjestad’s architectural heritage. The church forms part of a larger Franciscan complex that includes the rectory, emphasizing the continuing presence and influence of the Franciscan order on the island.