The Belén School and Church complex

The Belén School and Church, founded in the 18th century by the Bethlemite Brothers in Antigua Guatemala, served as a center for education and social care, providing refuge for orphans and the sick. The Baroque church featured ornate carvings and images of saints, while the school had courtyards and dormitories for children. Damaged by the 1773 earthquakes and affected by 19th-century reforms, the complex fell into decline. Despite this, it remains a symbol of faith, charity, and resilience.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Belenz School and Church is an architectural complex that
represents the charitable and educational spirit of the colonial era.
Founded in the eighteenth century by the Bethelmite Brothers, this
space served not only as a center for education, but
also as a place of care for the most vulnerable,

(00:21):
especially the sick and orphans. The church, with its unique
Baroque architecture, and the school dedicated to education and social assistance,
stand out as symbols of devotion and humanity in the
heart of Antigua, Guatemala. The Bethlamite Brother's Order, founded in
Guatemala by Brother Pedro de San Jose Bertancour, played a

(00:44):
crucial role in the development of social work in the region.
Inspired by their founder, the Bethlamites established the Belenz School
and Church in the eighteenth century as part of their
mission of service. The school was primarily dedicated to educating
orphaned and underprivileged children, providing not only academic and religious education,

(01:09):
but also shelter and food. This effort set a precedent
in the history of education and social assistance in Guatemala,
solidifying the Bethlamite Order as one of the most influential
of its time. The Belen church is a magnificent example
of Guatemalan colonial Baroque architecture. Its facade, crafted with carefully

(01:33):
sculpted moldings and niches, reflects a balance between austerity and
ornamentation that characterizes Bethlamite constructions. The niches housed images of
saints and religious figures associated with the Order, highlighting Brother
Pedro as a model of charity and devotion. Inside the

(01:53):
church featured a main altar adorned with gilded wooden carvings
and sculptures that depicted biblical episodeades and the lives of
the Bethlamite saints. Although many of these works have been
lost over time, historical records indicate that its design fostered
an atmosphere of contemplation and spirituality. The school, located next

(02:15):
to the church, was structured around courtyards surrounded by arched corridors,
a typical design of educational buildings of that era. These
areas provided spaces for teaching, play, and rest for the children. Additionally,
the school included dormitories and service areas to ensure the
well being of its student The Berlenz School and Church

(02:38):
complex reached its peak during the eighteenth century, but like
many other buildings in Antigua, Guatemala, it suffered the impact
of earthquakes. The Santa Marta earthquakes in seventeen seventy three
caused significant damage to both the church and the school,
although the order attempted to restore some areas, The relocation

(03:00):
of the capital to Nueva Guatemala de la Asunchon in
seventeen seventy six marked the beginning of its decline. In
the nineteenth century, decimortization laws affected the Bethlmit Order, resulting
in the loss of many of their properties, including the
Berlen Complex. Later parts of the building were repurposed for

(03:21):
other uses, while other areas fell into ruin. The Berlen
School and Church, with its combination of faith, education and
colonial architecture, remains a symbol of hope and compassion. Its walls,
though marked by time, preserved the spirit of Brother Pedro
and the mission of the Bethlamites, inviting visitors to reflect

(03:42):
on the importance of service and solidarity.