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Follow along Calle de Hermano Pedro, in the southeast section of Antigua, here you will find the ruins of Belén and its quiet little park. Founded in 1666 by Santo Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt, this was once an active hospital, convent, inn, school, and church. You will also find a statue in the center of the park commemorating Hermano Pedro, who unfortunately didn’t live to see its completion.
“It seems to be a perfect place to share with the family, if you have children, nephews, or work with children, you can come to this beautiful park, which is not very popular. There is plenty of space to park a vehicle. If you come to this park, bring food and drinks since the shops are a little far away in the surrounding areas. This place is ideal for bringing bicycles and toys for the children to ride around. A good day of fun. The only thing is that there is no place to play soccer or any sport, it is more to have a picnic day with the children. I recommend this very interesting park. Quite far from the cathedral and the central park so you can enjoy it without having so many people nearby. The good thing is that you will always find a place to sit since this park is very big.” -Javier Ortiz
Santo Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt, 1626 – 1667, is one of the most revered historical figures in Guatemala. Considered the Saint Francis of Assisi of the Americas, he dedicated his life to the poor, the sick, and the most in need. He founded the Order of Our Lady of Bethlemen and was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002.
When Hermano Pedro first arrived in Guatemala in 1649, at the age of 23, he became very ill and was immediately put in contact with the poor and destitute peoples of the country. Some would say, this was the beginning of his life’s work. In 1653, he began his studies for the priesthood, but dropped out after only three years. Instead he became a Franciscan tertiary and “adopted the religious name of Peter of Saint Joseph.” He began teaching the young, visiting the sick, and taking up alms for prisoners.
In 1658, he erected a little hut to provide services for the sick who were released from the local hospital, but still needed care. His steadfast commitment earned him the patronage of powerful people, including the Governor and Bishop, and he was supplied with whatever he needed. Several prominent people also helped to purchase the land around his little hut, which would later become the site of Belén.
Santo Hermano Pedro died in 1667 at the age of 41, some say due to exhaustion. The Bethlemite Order continued his work after his death. His tomb and museum are located at the Church of San Francisco El Grande in Antigua. There is also a hospital that bears his name located at the Church of San Pedro Apóstol across from Tanque la Unión.
Note: There are several variations of Hermano Pedro’s surname. Bethancourt, Betancurt, Bethancuourt, Bethancur, and Betancur.
References:
“Antigua Guatemala” by Elizabeth Bell, pages 107, 108, 161, 162
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_of_Saint_Joseph_de_Betancur
https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20020730_betancurt_sp.html
Please note that many of the entrance fees for landmarks, parks, and museums are subsidized by the government for Guatemalan citizens. You may notice a price difference for foreigners.