Diocese celebrates Peruvian devotion

Friday, Oct. 17, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY – As the bells of the Cathedral of the Madeleine resounded in the afternoon sunshine on Oct. 11, dozens of faithful Catholics dressed in purple tunics rushed to find their places for the Mass and procession.

Every year in October, the Lord of Miracles (Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas) is venerated in Lima, Peru. The Lord of Miracles is an image painted in the 17th century of Jesus Christ, who is shown enduring the pain of crucifixion, above him is the Holy Spirit and God the Father. The Virgin Mary and St. Mary Magdalena are also represented in the painting.

The Lord of the Miracles celebration originated when, during a massive earthquake in the 18th century, almost all the city was destroyed, while that mural remained standing. This is considered a miraculous occurrence by the Peruvian people and many others.

In Salt Lake City the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, welcomed the image of the Lord of the Miracles to the cathedral.

“We are here today to celebrate this Mass honoring the Lord of Miracles. Be all of you welcome, and thank you to all of you for sharing this tradition with us,” he said. “When in the 18th century the city back in Peru was destroyed due to an earthquake, this image remained standing as a symbol of the grace of Jesus Christ.”

Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general; and Father Martin Diaz, pastor of the cathedral, concelebrated the Mass. Assisting were Deacon Hector Mota and Deacon Ricardo Arias.

“In Mexico we have our Lady of Guadalupe, in Peru we have the Lord of Miracles, and so many other traditions that makes us richer,” said Bishop Wester. “This is an opportunity to be ourselves and share who we are as diverse cultures with our different traditions.”

After the Mass, a procession outside the Cathedral of the Madeleine continued the celebration.

“I think that this devotion here [in Utah] comes from all the love that we have for Our Lord of Miracles,” said Mauricio Quiroz, who is part of the Brotherhood of the Lord of the Miracles, a nonprofit organization that organized the celebration.

With joy reflected in his eyes, Quiroz said that having new generations of Catholics at the celebration makes him feel proud to be able to share his traditions.

“It’s important to share our culture and traditions not only with our new generations, but with all our friends and fellow Catholics in Utah,” he said.

Yolanda Robles agreed. “For me as a Catholic, this celebration is very important. … Despite that we are far away from our country [Peru], celebrating makes us feel close. … I am really emotional and nostalgic, but thankful for being able to share our traditions,” said Robles, who is a parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Salt Lake City.