A feast 'fit for a King'

By Blanca Morales - Florida Catholic

Photographer: BLANCA MORALES | FC

Amid a cloud of incense, the image of El Se�or de los Milagros is carried by members of La Hermandad (Brotherhood) del Se�or de los Milagros.

Photographer: BLANCA MORALES | FC

The image of the "black Christ," revered as El Se�or de los Milagros, resembles the original in Lima. It is placed upon a litter for processions but remains inside Good Shepherd Church for all those who wish to pray before it.

MIAMI � The residents of Kendale Lakes were understandably struck with curiosity as they saw an exceptional scene play out on the streets surrounding Good Shepherd Parish Oct. 17.

A tall painting of a crucified Christ was being carried in a procession celebrating the popular Peruvian devotion to �El Se�or de los Milagros� (the Lord of Miracles).

The image is a reproduction of one painted in the 17th century by an Angolan slave in Lima. The dark-skinned Christ was painted upon a mural that survived a big earthquake that same century. Since then, the image has been regarded as miraculous and has been venerated by Peruvians both in Lima and abroad.

It is no wonder curious passers-by stopped and stared at the proceedings around the perimeter of the church. The procession, with all its pomp and blare, was fit for a king.

Women in lace veils swirled a path of incense before the image as men from the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles carried a litter upon which the painting rested. The �black Christ,� as it is called, swayed side to side, �dancing� to music played on tubas, trombones and drums by a band that followed close behind.

Like a purple carpet rolled out around and behind the image, dozens of participants prayed, sang and clapped to the beat. Whether they were clergy, members of the brotherhood or lay devotees, all wore purple to the event.

According to Cesar Justino, secretary and social coordinator of the Good Shepherd chapter of the brotherhood, purple is the color of October, and a color that has long been associated with Peru�s patron saint.

Photographer: BLANCA MORALES | FC

Father Jorge Rodriguez de la Viuda, a native of Peru, enters Good Shepherd for Mass. He has supported the Miami chapter of the Brotherhood of El Se�or de los Milagros.

Justino said that the brotherhood�s Kendall group wants to emphasize that this holiday is much more than a Peruvian event. It is meant to celebrate the Lord, the King of Kings, and the brotherhood is not merely a social club. Members emphasize living the Catholic faith and the Mass is central to the feast day.

Before the procession, which was followed by entertainment and food, Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Estevez concelebrated Sunday Mass with Father Jorge Rodriguez de la Viuda.

Father Rodriguez, who is Peruvian and has given much support to the brotherhood, stressed the importance of prayer in his homily.

Photographer: BLANCA MORALES | FC

Wearing costumes depicting the different regions and ethnic groups of Peru, children who are members of the Brotherhood of El Se�or de los Milagros present the offertory gifts at Mass. From left: Randal Calle, wearing the brotherhood's purple robes; Ximena Sakay representing Peru's coast ("costa"); Karyme Delgado, representing the jungle ("selva"); and Jacqueline Pavon, representing the sierra ("sierra").

�Prayer is a tool to communicate with God,� he told Mass participants. �It�s better than any cell phone: no roaming fees, there�s always good connection. Prayer is not only �in case of emergency,� it must be a daily act. Look for opportunities to pray (throughout the day). Just like we have to upgrade our phones, we have to upgrade our prayer.�

Echoing Father Rodriguez�s words, Bishop Estevez underlined the importance of prayer in the family, telling parents that they, not �abuelita,� have the responsibility to teach their children how to pray.

During the Mass, Good Shepherd�s new pastor, Father Jesus Arias, introduced himself to the congregation, adding that he was glad to participate in what he called �a beautiful celebration.�