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Justo Gallego MartinezSpaniard, former monk
Date of Birth: 20.09.1925
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- A Singular Vision: The Story of Justo Gallego Martínez
- A Promise to the Virgin
- The Construction of a Dream
- A Labor of Love and Faith
- Funding and Support
- Community Reactions and Recognition
A Singular Vision: The Story of Justo Gallego Martínez
Early Life and InspirationJusto Gallego Martínez, a Spaniard born into a humble and devout farming family, witnessed the horrors of the Spanish Civil War at the tender age of 10. The execution of priests and the desecration of the church in his hometown of Mejorada del Campo left an indelible mark on his young mind.
A Promise to the Virgin
Haunted by his experience, Gallego Martínez entered a Trappist monastery. However, after eight years, he was forced to leave due to tuberculosis. Returning home, he made a solemn vow: if he recovered his health, he would build a cathedral dedicated to the Virgin of Pilar, revered in nearby Zaragoza.
The Construction of a Dream
On October 12, 1961, Gallego Martínez began his ambitious project. Armed with only a blueprint in his mind, he embarked on the construction of a vast cathedral on land inherited from his parents. The grand scale of the project included a 20x50-meter footprint, an 8,000-square-meter plot, and a 40-meter-high dome.
A Labor of Love and Faith
Gallego Martínez has been the primary force behind the construction, often working alone or with the occasional assistance of his six nephews and volunteers. He has relied on recycled materials and donations from local businesses, using gasoline barrels as column forms and constructing without the aid of a crane. The project is expected to take approximately 15-20 years to complete.
Funding and Support
While Gallego Martínez receives funding from the rent or sale of his inherited land and private donations, he works independently without official permits or the blessing of the Catholic Church. He sees his endeavor as an "act of faith" and has pledged the cathedral to the Diocese of Alcalá de Henares.
Community Reactions and Recognition
The residents of Mejorada del Campo have mixed feelings about Gallego Martínez's cathedral. Some admire his dedication and view it as a potential tourist attraction, while others question its architectural value and hope that the authorities will intervene. The project has garnered attention beyond Spain, with a short documentary produced by Discovery Channel in 2006 and a mention in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
