More than 300 Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners processed in a centuries-old Peruvian devotion to the Lord of Miracles on Oct. 14, a solemn feast day celebrated around the world. (César Hurtado | Catholic News Herald)CHARLOTTE — More than 300 men and women clad in purple robes and white ropes participated in Mass and a procession carrying a replica of the Lord of the Miracles painting in a centuries-old Peruvian devotion celebrated around the world in October.
On Oct. 14, members of the South Charlotte Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles worked diligently outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, finalizing details of the heavy platform that carries a replica of the sacred image of “Cristo Moreno” – “The Brown Christ” – in the procession.
The Lord of the Miracles is an image painted during the 17th century by an African taken from Angola to Peru as a slave. In the image, Christ is depicted on the cross, with the Holy Spirit and God the Father above, and flanked by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene. The name originated after earthquakes in 1655, 1687, and 1746 destroyed most of the city of Lima, leaving only the mural standing. This miraculous occurrence gave rise to the devotion and annual celebration.
Father Blas Lemos, parochial vicar, celebrated Mass to begin the event.
In his homily, Father Lemos, who wore a purple chasuble with the image of the Christ, referred to the weekend’s Gospel from Matthew, saying, “The Lord, King of Kings, our greatest joy and happiness, after being rejected by the important people, opened the doors of His wedding feast to everyone, as long as we wear our wedding garments, the suit with the necessary attitude, the suit of grace and freedom.”
That feast, he added, “is the feast of salvation. That is why, today, as we celebrate the Lord of Miracles, we ask Him to grant us the miracle of wearing the garment of grace, freedom, love, peace, and fidelity, in order to be authentic Christian members of the Church.”
At the end of the Mass, Jaime Hurtado, a native Colombian and member of the brotherhood, was invited to say a few words to the audience about the feast day. Hurtado said he was invited to join in the brotherhood five years ago and found “that there are no differences between countries, that we are one in the Lord.”
After Mass, Father Lemos blessed the image and the members of the brotherhood, and even helped carry the giant platform on his shoulders during the procession.
A band of professional musicians from Maryland, specially hired by the brotherhood, took their place behind the sacred image, and under the sounds of the traditional hymn of the Lord of Miracles, the processional route began with a cloud of incense rising skyward with prayers of thanksgiving.
During the procession, parishioners paid homage to the holy image with songs, flowers and dances. At various stops on the route, parents brought their children closer to receive the Lord’s blessing, raising their them into the air before the image of Our Lord.
Lourdes Hoxit, a member of the brotherhood at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Simpsonville, S.C., said they gladly participate in the Charlotte procession every year.
“The most beautiful thing is the opportunity that God gives us to be close to Peru with this beautiful tradition. Together with brothers of many nationalities, we are present with the Lord of Miracles,” she said. “This is the Lord of Miracles of all, a Christ who is the patron saint of all immigrants. It is our Christ who is alive and who through this veneration receives all our love and gratitude. This is more than a brotherhood; there are no borders for the ‘Cristo Morado.’”
Hebert and Cindy Tixe, Peruvians living in Charlotte, said they have been attending the procession for three years. They were accompanied by Hebert’s mother, Rosario Ugarte, who was in a wheelchair. “I have always been devoted to the Lord of Miracles,” she said, but her devotion increased when one of her daughters emigrated to the US. “I begged Him to take care of her for me, to keep her safe. And He did. Everything is possible for Him.”
— César Hurtado
More online
At www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Watch a video and see more photos from the annual Lord of Miracles procession.
