In the early 1600's there was an earthquake in Lima, Peru and all that was left of the Catholic cathedral was one wall with a picture of Christ on the cross which had been painted by a slave. This was the first miracle-that the picture was saved and nothing else in the church was. That is why they call it the Lord of Miracles. Apparently there are other miracles involved too. When they rebuilt the cathedral they built it around this wall. The original picture is still there.
Every year a replica of the picture of Christ is paraded through various streets in Lima. Every four years it comes down the street we live on. This was that year! The replica weighs about 2 tons which includes the heavy wooden beams that about 24 men in purple robes carry on their shoulders. It is accompanied by a group of women in purple skirts and lace veils who walk backwards and sing. Some of them carry incense that is burning. There is also a band which plays. The procession stops at the homes of those who have paid and have decorated their places with flowers and balloons.
Some of the wealthier people pay to have professionals make a "carpet of flowers'' in the street in front of their homes. The people in the procession stop in front of those homes for a special prayer and blessing. Each family also gives some flowers which are put up by the picture of Christ. Our landlord was one of those who had this done. We were able to be outside and watch the proceedings. He said it was okay to take pictures.
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| In front of our apartment which is right above the picture of Christ. |
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| Our landlord and his family with their carpet of flowers |
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| Another flower carpet on our street |
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Another way to get blessings
It makes you wonder how these traditions get started. It was a lot different than our Open Chapel last night!
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