The multiplatform project “100 jewels of sacred art from the Yucatan Peninsula”developed by Yucatan Diary within the framework of his hundredth anniversary, brings together for the first time the hundred works of sacred art most relevant of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo.
The pieces were selected for the religiosity and devotion with which they are associated, the artisanal skill imprinted on them and their cultural identity.
The project, which From today it is available to the public and about which detailed information can be found in the special supplement that circulates today Sunday with him Diaryis an invitation to rediscover the history and artistic and spiritual value of regional heritage.
“100 jewels of sacred art from the Yucatan Peninsula” It was presented at the closing session of the National Assembly of Those in Charge of the Episcopal Dimension of Cultural Assets of the Church, which is part of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgical Pastoral of the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate.
The session was held the day before yesterday at the “Francisco Toral” Pastoral Center for the Liturgy of the Archdiocese, with representatives from different dioceses of the country.
The presentation was given by Carlos Cámara Gutiérrez, journalist from Yucatan Newspaper, which is part of Grupo Megamedia; Diego González Ayusomanager of the corporation’s Information Strategy, and the auxiliary bishop Monsignor Pedro Mena Díaz and the archaeologist Luis Millet Cámaraproject advisors, which presents content in text, audio and video formats through the following products:
- 1) Limited edition book, in hardcover (in Spanish and English).
- 2) Standard edition book, softcover (Spanish).
- 3) Tourist Guide (Spanish and English).
- 4) Web portal (with galleries, video and audio of the 100 jewels, in Spanish and English).
Books in Spanish in their hard and softcover editions and the portal They are now available to the public. The English edition and tourist guides They will be starting next month.
Representing the management body of Grupo Megamedia, they attended Luis Enrique Carrillo Cuéllardirector of Innovation and New Business Development, and Fernando Mena Álvarezcarrying out Uniprint.
This is how “100 jewels of the sacred art of the Yucatan Peninsula” was born.
Before the presentation, Monsignor Mena Díaz addressed a message in which he recalled that the project began at the initiative of the Diary before the declaration of pandemic of Covid-1
It arose with the idea of runite 95 works of sacred art in Yucatán and in the end it became 100 from the Peninsula.
In his turn, Carlos Cámara thanked for the invitation Grupo Megamedia to present a project of this significance and that contributes to the promotion of the care of the historical and religious heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.
“Your support is essential to bring this proposal to all corners of our country and beyond its borders,” he told attendees.
“History not only describes facts, but also appreciates and recognizes the cultural contributions and the impact of past events on the present to reconstruct and understand the identity of societies through their traditions, values and creations.”
He indicated that the project had the consultancy of prominent experts: Dr. Fernando Garces Fierrosthe master in Architecture Luis Ojeda Godoy and the architector Antonio Bojórquez Carvajal, who died last April.
“To myself and Diego (González Ayuso), editorial coordinator and general manager of this plan, sheltered by the two advisors, we are pleased to present some of the most relevant aspects of the vast, original and unpublished project entitled ‘100 jewels of sacred art of the Yucatán Peninsula’.”
“The objective is predominantly illustrative and seeks to disseminate the historical, cultural, religious and popular heritage of the 100 peninsular treasures cataloged by advisors on the subject in six categories.”
He specified that these classifications are:
- A) Architecture, with three subsections: I. The Cathedral of Mérida and buildings of religious orders. II. Franciscan conventual complexes. III. Parish temples and chapels.
- B) Sculptures in wood and stone, with two sections: I. Church altarpieces. II. Images.
- C) Paintings.
- D) Liturgical objects.
- E) Religious treasures of Quintana Roo.
- F) Religious gems from Campeche.
“What at first seemed like a titanic task, an almost insurmountable challenge, became a story of perseverance, faith and rebirth,” said Cámara Gutiérrez.
The project faced several obstacles, especially the confinement forced by the pandemic, which raised doubts about its future. “However, in the midst of uncertainty, a spark of hope remained lit,” he said.
“It was on December 26, 2022 when a phone call from the general director of Grupo Megamedia (licensed Carlos R. Menéndez Losa)a corporation whose flagship is Yucatan Diaryrekindled the flame. The general director, who from the first moment firmly believed in this proposal, with unalterable confidence and genuine determination, supported the initiative with enthusiasm and conviction,” he said.
“Thus, in January 2023 the project ‘100 jewels of sacred art of the Yucatán Peninsula’ resurfaced strongly, not only as an unpublished book and perhaps unique at the national level, but also as a commemorative tribute to the centenary of the founding of Diario de Yucatán in 2025.”
“This plan is much more than a simple compilation of images and data. It is a wake-up call not only for scholars, but also for those who are still unaware of the architectural, historical, cultural and spiritual value of the pieces and monuments selected by the group of experts, advisors, enriched with articles by renowned professionals, all experienced in the matter.”
“It is a voice in the middle of the desert, a cry that seeks to rise so that the community, particularly men and women of faith, become aware, value and protect that divine heritage that connects us with the deepest part of our history and spirituality. This project is an act of love and commitment by Grupo Megamedia with memory, culture and faith.”
“It is a reminder that sacred art is not only an aesthetic expression, but a manifestation, a sublime form in which believing people find a way to magnify, exalt divine splendor.”
In his turn, the bishop Pedro Mena He explained that the project adopts a broad vision of the concept of sacred art by including works of popular and indigenous nature, the result of the cultural syncretism of the Mayan and Spanish civilizations.
“This approach allows us to recognize the diversity and richness of the hundreds of artistic expressions that reflect the history, beliefs and religious practices of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo”.
“Likewise, the importance of the works was valued not only from an aesthetic or historical perspective, but also for their symbolic, devotional and cultural load. Each piece has a special meaning in the context of the communities and social groups that venerate them, evidencing a deep sense of identity, respect and belonging.”
To define the jewelry, aspects such as age, peculiarity, manufacturing, style, materials used and the relevance of the associated character or event were considered. In addition, the presence of outstanding details that allow identifying historical, cultural, social or religious moments typical of the Peninsula was taken into account.
“Indispensable guide”
“A question arises: who should have the work ‘100 jewels of sacred art from the Yucatan Peninsula?’. “This book is an indispensable guide not only for seminarians, priests, bishops, academics, professionals, but for all people who wish to enter the fascinating world of sacred art,” he declared.
“Each page is a call to value and protect the cultural heritage that constitutes the essence of our communities.”
“The project is presented as a fundamental tool for those who wish to explore and understand the depth of the artistic legacy that unites us.”
In his turn, Diego González explained that the elements in the book’s design were carefully conceived to reflect the sacred essence of the pieces: the emblems that recreate the Holy Trinityplaced on each page and that evoke the divine presence that permeates these masterpieces, and the color palette, which is inspired by the traditional tones that adorn the walls and ceilings of the religious buildings of the Peninsula, such as the “Uayma red” and orange, “Izamal yellow”light brown or beige that evokes earth and stone, and indigo blue, present in murals and vaults.
Finally, archaeologist Luis Millet stressed that the project goes beyond the publication of a book. “It is an act of preservation, recognition and celebration of the cultural and spiritual wealth of the three entities that make up the area.”
“In Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo there are sacred treasures that reflect history, demonstrate architecture and are testimony to the artistic mastery of generations that, in five centuries, have left their mark on each work.”
“From the colonial period to the first half of the 20th century, the pieces captured in this project not only represent the creativity of local and foreign masters, but are also living testimonies of the identity and faith that have shaped the region.”
“Each work, each altarpiece, each sculpture, contains stories of faith, culture and miscegenation that deserve to be known and valued in all their dimensions.”
“The relevance of this plan lies in its ability to bring new generations and the general public closer to a heritage that is, in essence, a bridge between the divine and the human, between the past and the present.”
“By expanding their reach through digital platforms, this project ensures that these gems, which represent the union of indigenous and European influences, are not only preserved, but also accessible and appreciated by a global audience.”
The presentation included the projection of videos in which the advisors and the translator of the English version participated, John David Phillips.
Next, Grupo Megamediathrough Bishop Pedro Mena, delivered a copy of “100 jewels of sacred art from the Yucatan Peninsula” to Monsignor Carlos Enrique Samaniego López, elected bishop of the diocese of Texcoco and representative of the Episcopal Dimension organizer of the assembly.
On behalf of the governing body of the corporation, Luis Enrique Carrillo gave a copy to the bishop Pedro Mena, and Fernando Mena Álvarezmanager of Uniprint, did the same with the auxiliary bishop Mario Medina Balam.
Afterwards, all attendees received books from the aforementioned prelates.