Columbus Lighthouse Celebrates Mass to Commemorate the 520th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Americas

Columbus Lighthouse Celebrates Mass to Commemorate the 520th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Americas 
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, October 14, 2012

With a solemn Mass celebrated by Father Antonio Marcelino, the administration of the Columbus Lighthouse marked the 520th anniversary of the Discovery and Evangelization of the Americas. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Culture, José Antonio Rodríguez.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, Monsignor Rafael Bello Peguero, on behalf of Cardinal Nicolás de JesúsLópez Rodríguez, opened the urn containing the remains of Grand Admiral Christopher Columbus. As is customary every October 12, the urn remained open to the public throughout the day.

After the National Anthem was performed by the Navy Music Band, the Mass was formally started. DominicanAir Force Col. José Jiménez Pérez, Governor of the ColumbusLighthouse Museum, attended these events.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, Monsignor Rafael Bello Peguero, on behalf of Cardinal Nicolás de JesúsLópez Rodríguez, opened the urn containing the remains of Grand Admiral Christopher Columbus. As is customary every October 12, the urn remained open to the public throughout the day.

Students from various schools, military personnel, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, representatives of community and religious organizations, as well as special guests were among those present.

For this evening, the 455 lights of the Columbus Lighthouse will be turned on so that the Dominican population can enjoy again this landmark’s color and brightness.

Today and throughout the entire week, the administration of the Columbus Lighthouse will welcome thousands of students from around the country free of charge. They will begiven a guided tour of the 48 rooms of the museum which form part of the historic route, according to data provided by the Communications Department of the Ministry of Culture (Mi-Culture).