Valor intangible del patrimonio inmueble de titularidad eclesiástica. El caso de la basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles en Cartago (Costa Rica)

Abstract

Sometimes information on church-owned real estate is framed with negative parameters. A correct application of Canon Law helps to understand its nature as well as its purpose. When Canon Law deals with the ownership of these goods, it does not consider it from a defensive perspective. Rather, it tries to make these goods would serve the purposes for which they have been delivered to the Church. In that sense is accountable. In addition, trying to offer the value of this heritage to the citizens and offering possibilities to revalue itself its a challange that the Church should dial with. From another prospective its sustainability can contribute to reformulate the narrative about these assets. This thesis offers a proposal on some measures to carry this out. It also provides some ideas for building a new frame for these assets. Transparency, sustainability and solidarity are areas that can serve to turn this heritage into a meeting place for society. Through a practical study of the website of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago (Costa Rica) it is intended to make a practical proposal. The ownership exercised by the Church over the real estate that she uses is not designed to defend it from possible attacks but to make those assets fulfill their mission in the best possible way. The more people who can enjoy its mission (above all, cultual, but also cultural), it could be said that the better canon law has been fulfilled.