Nearly everyone who visits the Galápagos Islands visits the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. However, most miss the hidden treasure of Parroquia Franciscana Santa Marianita (www.franciscanos.ec/santa-marianita-galapagos [in Spanish only]).
From the exterior, this parish church — located on Avenue Charles Darwin near the town’s main square — could be any small, traditional Catholic church, but its sanctuary is contemporary, airy and unique.
High above the altar is an amazing stained-glass window depicting a pelican protecting her chicks, conceptually parallel to the Shepherd watching over His flock. Side windows celebrate God’s gift of nature in the Galápagos.
Discovering Santa Marianita was a beautiful conclusion to my October 2019 Galápagos expedition.
WANDA BAHDE
Summerfield, FL
