Senor de los Milagros - Lord of the Miracles
Cleveland Ohio - October 7, 2012
In Lima, Peru there is a highly venerated mural of the Lord of the Miracles (in Spanish: Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas).
Just as Italians (and others) celebrate The Feast of the Assumption with parades and festivals, the people of Peru celebrate The Lord of the Miracles. It is the main Catholic celebration in Peru and boasts one of the largest processions in the world.
The mural is also known as "Black Christ" or "Christ of Pachacamilla", and shows Christ enduring the unimaginable pain of the crucifixion. Below and to the right of Jesus is his mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow. To her right at the foot of the cross is St. Mary Magdalene.
The mural was painted in the 17th century by a black slave. In the 18th century most of the city of Lima was destroyed by a massive earthquake. The only article left standing and unharmed was the mural which stood as tall and unscathed as ever. Additional earthquakes followed but the mural was never harmed leaving many to believe it was indeed a miracle. Veneration of the mural continues to grow.
Every year in October hundreds of thousands of people celebrate the Lord of the Miracles in a procession through the streets of Lima. The boulevards are lined and decorated with purple adornments.
October is Mes Morado (or purple month) in Lima. The faithful dress from head to toe in purple as a sign of their devotion to El Señor de los Milagros. Pilgrimages with believers from around the world come to Lima all throughout October for a chance to see and hopefully touch the mural and benefit from the miracles.
Here in Cleveland this tradition is carried out at Iglesia La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church on Detroit Ave. 2012 is the 18th year the Mass of celebration and procession were held.
Close to 1,000 people were on hand to witness and participate.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Manuel de Jesus Cordova who was visiting from Salvador. He was assisted by Deacon Ignacio Miranda.
Fr. Manuel de Jesus Cordova and Deacon Ignacio Miranda
Video of the Procession of the Lord of the Miracles, (El Señor de los Milagros) icon into the Church.
Enjoy these other images from the celebration.
Preparing the icon of the Lord of the Miracles for the Procession
