The Return of San Diego: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
A Centuries-Old Treasure
The 17th-century statue of San Diego, revered as the ‘Saint of Water,’ holds a significant place in the hearts of the residents of Betancuria. This small village, with its winding lanes and historic charms, has recently welcomed back a cherished relic that was lost for over four decades. The image, which had been stolen from the Hermitage of San Diego in 1981, has finally returned home thanks to the diligence of local art collectors and the unwavering spirit of the community.
The Disappearance
On November 24, 1981, the disappearance of the statue made headlines in the newspaper El Eco de Canarias. This was no ordinary event; the piece was not just an object of art but also a symbol of faith for many. The statue was housed in a small retablo within the hermitage, where, according to tradition, a monk prayed during his time as the guardian of the Franciscan convent of San Buenaventura in the 15th century. The news sent shockwaves through the community, leading to a surge of speculation and concern.
Community Unrest
In the days following the theft, the streets of Betancuria buzzed with anxiety and bewilderment. Local authorities, including the Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional, sprang into action, launching investigations to locate the missing statue. Yet, as time passed, the urgency surrounding the case dwindled. Residents gradually accepted the loss, and conversations about the saint’s disappearance became a story to tell visitors, woven into the fabric of local lore.
The Art Collector’s Revelation
Years went by before the events took another turn. In an intriguing twist, art collector Antonio P. Martin recalled in a December 2022 interview with Diario de Fuerteventura how the statue had been taken by a couple he had once invited to Betancuria. Their relationship culminated in a divorce, and it was the wife who, years later, disclosed that her husband had absconded with the statue. Martin, harboring suspicions about his guest’s collection of religious figures, remained fixated on the fate of San Diego.
Rediscovery in Tenerife
Several years later, Martin stumbled upon a book published by the Cabildo of Tenerife that cataloged a collection from an art gallery. As he flipped through the pages, he was astonished to find San Diego listed among the artworks. This sparked a determined pursuit to reclaim the stolen statue. After numerous attempts to recover it, Martin eventually managed to acquire the piece through an intermediary.
A Homecoming
In February 2021, the acquisition was finalized. With a profound sense of purpose, Martin chose to donate the statue to the Diocese of Canarias, emphasizing the importance of returning San Diego to his rightful home in Betancuria. The villagers’ long wait was finally over; the image of the saint was reinstated in the Church of Santa María de Betancuria, where it can now be appreciated by both locals and visitors alike.
The Artistic Significance
The statue of San Diego is a remarkable representation of the saint, depicted in a posture of prayer and adorned in the Franciscan habit. María de los Reyes Hernández Socorro, a professor of Art History at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, described the statue as “very valuable,” reinforcing its cultural and historical importance. However, upon its recovery, the statue was found to be in poor condition and necessitated the skilled hands of restoration expert Amparo Caballero.
Restoration and Revival
The restoration process was crucial to ensuring that the statue regained its former glory. Experts undertook meticulous work to address the damages accumulated during its long years away from Betancuria. This careful attention to detail not only preserved the aesthetic qualities of the statue but also honored its historical and spiritual significance.
As the villagers of Betancuria look upon the restored statue of San Diego, they are reminded of both the trials it has faced and the enduring spirit of their community. This treasure, once lost and now found, serves as a poignant symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring cultural legacy that binds the people of Betancuria to their history.
