Did you know that even a chapel can be born from a mystical murmur? That’s the story of Capilla de Pangote.
Welcome to the heart of Pangote. It is a settlement nestled within the municipality of San Andrés. We are in the province of García Rovira. This is southern Santander. Here, at Capilla de Pangote, history and legend intertwine.
The origins of Pangote’s name are rooted in the whispers of nature itself. It is said that when colonizers ventured into this lush region they were met with strange sounds. Murmurs echoed through the dense forests. Some sounded like “Pan-go-teeee”. Others resembled “Pan-guuuu-aaa”. Locals believed these sounds were warnings of impending storms. They attributed them to a forest spirit they named Pangote and his companion Pangua.
Capilla de Pangote’s story truly begins in 1934. Father Antonio Maria Guarin Bohorquez founded the settlement on February 8. Just three years later, on February 8, 1937, the Diocesan Curia established the parish. It was named “San Antonio de Pangote”. This cemented the area’s religious identity. Bishop Rafael Afanador y Cadena confirmed it during a pastoral visit. Father Antonio Maria Guarin became its first official priest.
Another priest, Antonio Maria Contreras Barrios, replaced Father Guarin in 1939. Contreras was known for his intellect and drive. He began construction on a new temple. This temple is the architectural jewel we see today. Its Neo-Romanesque style reflects the community’s devotion. Tiburcio Sierra, an expert from San Andrés, oversaw the work.
But Pangote’s connection to San Antonio goes deeper than its formal establishment. Legend tells of Zenón Ramírez. He was a local man who discovered a small stone while plowing his field. This stone revealed itself to be an image of Saint Anthony. The community venerated the image in a home. They later built a straw chapel for it. But the image kept returning to the house.
The bishop advised building a proper chapel to keep the saint in place. It is said that the chapel bells would ring on their own every June 13. This marks the feast day of San Antonio de Padua. San Antonio became the patron saint of Pangote. Zenón Ramírez’s sister, Hercilia Ramírez, donated the original image to the church.
Capilla de Pangote stands as a testament to faith and community. It shows how nature’s whispers and human endeavor can create a lasting legacy. The story also includes an amusing anecdote. The statue of San Antonio grew over time. Once, an acolyte took it to the bell tower. He dropped it. The statue broke and never grew again.
So as you stand before Capilla de Pangote, remember the whispers of the forest. Remember the determination of its founders. Remember the legend of San Antonio. This chapel is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Pangote’s spirit. A spirit forged in faith, community, and the mysteries of the natural world.