Nestled in the exuberant region of La Sierra, the parish of San José de las Matas today celebrates two hundred and ten years of being a spiritual and community beacon. Its story, interwoven with the threads of resilience and faith, takes us back to a past marked by struggle and hope, where the community stood on the ashes of adversity.
It was in 1814, when the Catholic church of the colony of Santo Domingo was under the leadership of Archbishop Pedro Valera Jiménez, the first born on the soil of the current Dominican Republic to reach the rank of archbishop, that the parish of San José de las Matas was officially established. Despite witnessing conflict and devastation, including the burning of Las Matas and Jánico in 1805, by the forces of Jean Jacques Dessalines’ army, the community persevered, laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous parish.
The first parish priest of San José de las Matas, priest María Reyes Colón, was already present in the community since 1813, carrying out a census that counted 2,252 people. His commitment to the community and his pastoral work made him a key figure in the establishment of the parish.
On May 30, 1814, the first baptism was recorded in the parish, that of the child Francisco, son of the Militia Captain Don Francisco Estévez and Doña María Reyes. This act marked the beginning of a rich legacy of religious traditions, carefully documented in the books of the Parish Archive.
Over the course of two hundred and ten years, the parish of San José de las Matas has transcended its religious function, becoming a fundamental pillar of the community. He has witnessed baptisms, marriages and deaths, offering support and comfort in moments of joy and pain.
The parish of San José de las Matas is proud of its rich history and its unwavering commitment to the community. It looks to the future with hope, ready to continue being a beacon of faith and a center of unity for generations to come.
