Holy Cross Church, Hanga Roa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Cross Church |
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|---|---|
| Iglesia de la Santa Cruz | |
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| 27°08′54″S 109°25′27″W / 27.1483°S 109.424065°W | |
| Location | Hanga Roa |
| Country | Chile |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Tradition | Latin Rite |
| History | |
| Dedication | Holy Cross |
The Holy Cross Church (also known as Iglesia de la Santa Cruz in Spanish) is a Catholic Church in Hanga Roa. This is the main town on Easter Island, a special territory of Chile in the Pacific Ocean. The church is located on Te Pito Te Henua Street. It is also sometimes called the Catholic Church of Hanga Roa.
The church was built in 1937. Its first priest was Father Sebástian Englert.
Contents
Design and Features
The Holy Cross Church is special because of its unique design. It mixes traditional Christian symbols with local Rapa Nui art.
Outside the Church
The outside of the church shows this blend of cultures. The front of the building has decorations that combine Christian religious images with native island elements. The church is surrounded by pretty gardens.
Inside the Church
Inside the Holy Cross Church, you can see statues and carvings. These include figures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Christian saints. These artworks were carved by local artists.
Services and Visitors
Church services, called Masses, are usually spoken in Spanish. However, the hymns (church songs) are sung in the Rapa Nui language. This helps keep the local culture alive.
Both local Catholic people and tourists visit the church. Tourists are often interested in seeing its unique architecture and cultural blend.
Notable Burials
Some important people are buried at the Holy Cross Church. They include:
- Angata
- Eugène Eyraud
- Nicolás Pakarati
- Sebastian Englert
See Also
- Catholic Church in Chile
- For more information for kids in Spanish:
Iglesia de la Santa Cruz (Hanga Roa) para niños
