On August 5, a new permanent sculpture honoring Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the 13th-century founder of the Order of Preachers (more commonly known as the Dominican Order), was officially unveiled at Plaza del Convento. The site sits adjacent to the centuries-old Dominican Convent, a landmark of the UNESCO-listed Colonial City district of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
The project was spearheaded by Dominican Sister Rosa Monique Peña, who envisioned the work as a lasting tribute to the saint and his deep, foundational ties to the city that shares his name. Crafted by acclaimed Dominican visual artist Dustin Muñoz, the sculpture captures Saint Dominic mid-sermon, with outstretched open arms that symbolize the welcome he extends to all visitors entering the historic convent that bears his legacy.
Dignitaries and community leaders gathered for the inauguration ceremony, including Carolina Mejía, the mayor of the National District. In her remarks, Mejía underscored the centuries-long contributions of the Dominican Friars to the spiritual growth, educational expansion, and cultural enrichment of both Santo Domingo and the wider Dominican nation. Friar José Alberto Hidalgo, parish priest of the Dominican Convent, further highlighted Saint Dominic’s lifelong core values: dedication to academic study, open interfaith and interpersonal dialogue, and unwavering pursuit of truth.
Organizers of the inauguration extended special recognition to philanthropist Rosa Margarita Bonetti, whose generous financial backing made the creation and installation of the sculpture possible. Attendees also included United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Leah Francis Campos, local business leaders, members of the Dominican friar and lay Dominican communities, and representatives from multiple other religious congregations across the country.
Cultural heritage observers note that the new public artwork adds a significant new dimension to the Colonial City’s already rich collection of historic and cultural monuments, while formalizing the enduring legacy of Saint Dominic and the Order of Preachers in shaping the history and collective identity of Santo Domingo.