The Italian Legacy in the Dominican Republic

THE ITALIAN LEGACY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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priesthood, he served as chaplain to Queen Isabella I

of Castile and one of four preceptors to Infantas María

and Catalina.

On March 21, 1521, Geraldini began the construc-

tion of his cathedral, but this work was not finished

due to his death three years later on March 8, 1524.

He was buried in the Major Chapel, and his remains

were later moved to a mausoleum in the chapel built

in his honor by the priest Diego del Río. Sáez also

notes that Geraldini’s primary interest as bishop was

the construction of a true cathedral.

The magnificence of the cathedral that Geraldini

started to erect is reflected in the following poem that

he wrote while arranging for the main church in the

city of Santo Domingo to be built:

My Queen, and Queen of all heavens, I would like

to build a temple worthy of your glory and honor.

I will dedicate all of my efforts, all of my hopes and aspirations,

until seeing the stones laid and my wishes coronated.

May the lofty columns rise, like prayers up to the heavens; and

may their arms interlace, with the vaults supporting them.

You are the sovereign Queen of the most sovereign kingdom

and the Divine King placed his pious throne within your womb.

Indeed, your temple can lack not gold nor silver, nor the

brilliance of the heavens nor polished marbles.

What on Earth is fleeting, your abode shall make eternal; and

burn all vanities in the flames of incense.

You, Holiest Mother, gaze with your serene face upon our work

and bless our efforts always.

You who bring joy to the cheerless, and shield under your cloak

the unprotected masses, grace us with respite and comfort.

The enchantment of your eyes, the tenderness of your breast

will stand out in your temple in heavenly paintings.

Through its naves will the cadenced Psalter echo; and along with

David and the Saints, our town will sing of you

The hands of the messenger will bring bundles of lilies on that

day that announces the plenitude of time.

A snow white dove will fly over your temple, bearing the olive branch

that it offers to the Earth and to the heavens,

and the joyful voices of the messenger will again be heard:

“Ave Maria, full of grace, the Eternal Lord is with you.”

And you, mighty Queen, the Dove of our heavens,

cover this Earth and these people with your wings.

In the middle, crucified Christ will rise on the cross, with his arms

extended and his heart open to draw us all into his chest.

All of the arts will together shine in the concert that will be

Plan of the cathedral

following the works by

Father Billini in 1877.

(Office of Works,

2011).

Prieto Vicioso