Santo Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt, 1626 – 1667, is one of the most revered historical figures in Guatemala. Considered the Saint Francis of Assisi of the Americas, he dedicated his life to the poor, the sick, and the most in need. He founded the Order of Our Lady of Bethlemen and was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002.

When Hermano Pedro first arrived in Guatemala in 1649, at the age of 23, he became very ill and was immediately put in contact with the poor and destitute peoples of the country. Some would say, this was the beginning of his life’s work. In 1653, he began his studies for the priesthood, but dropped out after only three years. Instead he became a Franciscan tertiary and “adopted the religious name of Peter of Saint Joseph.” He began teaching the young, visiting the sick, and taking up alms for prisoners.

In 1658, he erected a little hut to provide services for the sick who were released from the local hospital, but still needed care. His steadfast commitment earned him the patronage of powerful people, including the Governor and Bishop, and he was supplied with whatever he needed. Several prominent people also helped to purchase the land around his little hut, which would later become the site of Belén.

Santo Hermano Pedro died in 1667 at the age of 41, some say due to exhaustion. The Bethlemite Order continued his work after his death. His tomb and museum are located at the Church of San Francisco El Grande in Antigua. There is also a hospital that bears his name located at the Church of San Pedro Apóstol across from Tanque la Unión.

Note: There are several variations of Hermano Pedro’s surname. Bethancourt, Betancurt, Bethancuourt, Bethancur, and Betancur.

References:

“Antigua Guatemala” by Elizabeth Bell, pages 107, 108, 161, 162

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_of_Saint_Joseph_de_Betancur

https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20020730_betancurt_sp.html