In a sky that seems forever blue, the sun shines down with all its brilliance upon the placid waves of the sea, which sparkle like crystal as they collide with one another. Birds glide gracefully over the turquoise waters, composing melodies in harmony with the light breeze that gently sways the treetops. These are the wonders of the Caribbean!
In contrast with the reigning calm rises an imposing structure that evokes medieval times. Thick walls, high towers and rustic stone… Yes, an authentic castle in newly discovered America.
In the 15th century, fearless navigators set sail. New routes, new panoramas, new civilizations… and even a New World! When Christopher Columbus dropped anchor in American lands in 1492, it was undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of the century and perhaps of history: a new chapter began in the great book of humanity, with pages to be written in gold and red by brave men who, perhaps without fully realizing the magnitude of their mission, dedicated their lives to it.
In the first lines of this chapter we find the origin of the very edifice that has captured our attention. It is the Ozama Fortress, located in the colonial city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Built precisely between 1502 and 1508 by order of the Spanish governor Nicolás Ovando, it was the first building of its size to be constructed by the colonizers on the island – and indeed in the whole of America.
One of its most striking aspects is the name of the place, which corresponds to its purpose. I am not referring here to the current one, but to the name given in its early days. Initially, the fortress was called the Tower of Homage, in honour of the Spanish conquistadors. Shortly afterwards, however, it was renamed the Watchtower, because its highest point afforded a view of the Caribbean shore and the entrance of the Ozama River.
Indeed, the news that a vast, never-before explored territory had been discovered, full of riches and novelties, aroused enormous and wide-spread ambition… Invaders were soon on the prowl in an attempt to grab a portion for themselves. Therefore, the fortress was erected in order to prevent pirate and corsair attacks.
Thanks to the ingenuity with which each part was designed, it was able to fulfil this aim, remaining impregnable.
It is said that the Carlos III gate was never attacked; the Santa Bárbara weapons store – so named in honour of the patron saint of artillery – was never discovered by enemies, as its façade resembled that of a church, precisely with the intention of throwing them off; the play of light used at the top of the tower allowed the sentry to fire in complete tranquillity without being seen; the medieval design – although built in already Baroque times – gave it an intimidating air of strength and robustness.
These curiosities of human genius bring us to a central point: vigilance! If the colonizers had been careless, they would have built a “Tower of Pleasures” in America to enjoy that unique acquisition. But the reality was different. In the midst of the joy of conquering an exuberant territory, the brave navigators of the seas did not relax in futile optimism, but quickly erected walls to counter external attacks.
Something similar happens in the noble epic of human existence. When superficial spirits acquire a great possession, they rejoice, celebrate and enjoy it without a care.
On the other hand, souls conforming to the law of virtue and grace, following the divine instruction to watch and pray (cf. Mt 26:41), know that it is not enough to rejoice… it is necessary to fight! Even in the midst of the greatest prosperity, they keep watch with their weapons drawn, because they are aware that “our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour” (1 Pt 5:8).
In the victories we achieve in our lives, let us always be watchful against the world, the flesh and the devil. We must never let our guard down if we do not want our souls to be besieged. Our vigilance will open the way for Our Lady to reign permanently in our hearts. ◊
