The official handover of the stone was carried out by the WRTR’s Director for the Americas, Adrián Lomello, who highlighted the initiative as a spiritual bridge between continents. According to Lomello, incorporating the stone not only strengthens the identity of the Sanctuary of the Cross of Picacho as a place of faith, but also positions it as a pilgrimage site with a tangible connection to the lands where key events of Christianity unfolded. This symbolic dimension adds a distinctive value that may attract both worshippers and visitors seeking authentic spiritual experiences.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at consolidating Tuluá as a regional benchmark in religious tourism. The city’s integration into the World Religious Tourism Network enables coordination of institutional, cultural, and tourism-driven efforts designed to enhance its visibility in international circuits. This collaboration supports the development of projects that combine spirituality, heritage, and local economic growth, contributing to the sustainable development of the territory.
At the local level, authorities have described the initiative as a milestone in strengthening the sanctuary. The mayor of Tuluá, Gustavo Adolfo Vélez Román, emphasized that the symbolic incorporation of the stone represents a significant step in establishing the site as a pilgrimage destination. He also noted that such initiatives help reinforce the city’s cultural and spiritual identity while opening new opportunities for tourism and economic development.
The journey of the stone also reflects a process of international cooperation within the WRTR itself. Its acquisition was initially managed by former director general Pilar Valdez, later collected in Madrid by Europe director Edit Székely, and finally brought to Colombia through the efforts of national coordinator Wilder López Jiménez. This process highlights the coordinated work of multiple stakeholders in bringing an initiative to fruition that now holds collective significance for the community of Tuluá.
The handover ceremony took place at the Tuluá Chamber of Commerce, in a formal event attended by civil authorities, religious representatives, and members of the community. During the ceremony, Bishop Alexander Matiz Atencio blessed the stone and expressed his appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing its importance as a symbol of faith and unity. The presence of institutional representatives, business leaders, and local residents underscored the broad interest and expectations surrounding this project.
Beyond the ceremonial act, the incorporation of this element into the Sanctuary of the Cross of Picacho opens new perspectives for the development of religious tourism in the region. Having a symbol directly linked to the Holy Land enhances the site’s appeal and contributes to its positioning within pilgrimage routes. Such initiatives also foster the creation of experiences that integrate spirituality, history, and culture—factors increasingly valued by contemporary travelers.
Through this action, the World Religious Tourism Network reaffirms its commitment to promoting faith-based destinations worldwide. Its work focuses on strengthening the spiritual and heritage value of these sites while supporting their responsible tourism development. In the case of Tuluá, this project represents a firm step toward consolidating an identity that combines religious tradition, international projection, and sustainable growth opportunities.
