Iglesia de la Compania and Its Tons of Gold Leaf
If you wonder, why here? Why not in her home, the Carmen Alto Convent? Her devotion to Our Lady of Loretto brought her to rest here. Also, she lived the Franciscan life - not the Carmelite, but her boundless love included everyone. A life-size statue of Santa Mariana reclines to the left of this enormous gold-guilded temple, which could easily be a cathedral and rivals those of Rome in its magnificence. Her guitar accompanied her here, until someone coldly stole it. This most beautiful temple in Latin America blankets itself in gold leaf - seven tons. Everything but the pews and floor seems covered in it. A 17th century marvel, its facade came transported from its construction site of Maynas east of Quito to reach completion here. The work, suspended for lack of funds until 1725, stretched its accomplishment to 1760. The Jesuits, after arriving in 1586, set out to build the best church and school in America. Thanks to those who took over and corrected what seemed insurmountable contradictions, the desired outcome finally manifested itself, at least in regard to this holy place.
Old confessionals continue in use in all these churches, as in Iglesia La Compania in all its gold.
A 5:00 AM procession marches on the 20th of every month in honor of La Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows) through the streets from this spectacular colonial work of art, Iglesia La Compania.
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