Major Catholic Churches in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the site of the oldest Catholic church in the Americas: San Jose Church. Construction began in 1532, not long after the Spanish conquest of the island. Juan Ponce de Leon, the famous explorer, was the first governor of Puerto Rico and was originally buried in the crypt here. His body was later transferred to the Cathedral, but his coat of arms is still on display here.
The Cathedral of San Juan Batista is probably the most famous church here. It is one of the oldest Cathedrals in the Americas, having been built in 1521, destroyed by a hurricane in 1540, and then re-built in 1541 (this time from stone rather than wood).
We are not aware of any website for the Cathedral.
Address: Calle del Cristo #151-153, San Juan Antiguo, SAN JUAN 00902-2145
Tel: +1 (787) 722-0861
If you are visiting San Juan and looking for a Mass in English, you can find one at the Stella Maris Parish. Masses are both in Spanish and English. The Church is open daily. The English Masses on weekends are Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12:30 a.m. Confessions are heard 30 minutes before all Masses.
Since many cruises depart from San Juan, you may want to attend one of these Masses before you board your ship. Most of the cruises leaving from San Juan on Saturdays depart around 8:30 p.m., so that should allow you enough time to attend Mass. Stella Maris Church is about 3 miles from the port, but if you are looking for a Mass closer to the cruise port, try attending the Spanish language Mass at the Cathedral, less than one mile from the cruise terminal.
Click here to find a great selection of Our Lady of San Juan medals.
And, if you happen to be thinking of a destination wedding, this might be the place for you. You can be married in one of these churches before departing on your honeymoon cruise. Naturally, you will have to take care of all the details involved in a Catholic wedding, so allow at least three months to plan things out.
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