Devotion to Saint Joseph in San Antero dates back to around the year 1700, when a Spanish woman named Catalina Ruíz de Vega resided there. Catalina, a fervent Catholic, prayed the novena in honor of Saint Joseph every March 19. Every year, she summoned her servants and the believing community to join in celebrating their faith in the saint. With the passage of time, this devotion was promoted and took root in the region.
The church of San José, built in an archaic way in the year 1900 according to the people of the area, is a central place of faith in San Antero. Its bell was donated by foreigners who arrived on a ship from Holland (The Netherlands), highlighting the multicultural history and connection to other regions of the world.
Located in the main park of Sibundoy, the church of San José has outstanding architecture. It has a main tower with a dome, as well as two smaller chapels. Inside, it is supported by twelve central columns that give the place of worship an imposing appearance. On the main altar is the image of Jesus crucified, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and other revered saints, such as Saint Nicholas of Bari and the Divine Child.
The church of San José thus becomes a sacred space for the community of San Antero, where the faithful gather to pay homage to San José and other saints, strengthening their faith and celebrating the religious tradition that has endured over time. in this region.
