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THE LORD OF MIRACLES
Renata & Luis Millones*

In Peru, October is known as the purple month, due to the colour of the habit worn by thousands of followers of the so-called Christ of Pachacamilla. The cult began in Lima back in 1650, when a black slave painted the venerated image on a mud wall.
Ecclesiastic history recalls the first public miracle performed by the Purple Christ: On September 6th 1671, the clergy ordered that the image be
rubbed off the wall, however a series of accidents involving the people entrusted with the task gave the impression of a divine intervention.
Years later the image withstood the 1687 earthquake that devastated Lima and Callao, giving rise to a fervent procession of an image that was the exact replica of the original. Finally, in 1771, Viceroy Amat inaugurated the temple of the Lord of Miracles. From then on, the cult was organized like any other popular festival, with stewards and devotees, until 1878 when the Brotherhood of Carriers and Incense Burners of the Lord of Miracles was formally established, with the notable presence of African descendants. Early in the last century there were already twenty teams comprised of men responsible for carrying the platforms and two women who tossed smoke at the images of the Purple Christ and the Virgin of the Cloud who has been accompanying the procession, probably since the XVIII century. The image of the latter virgin originated in Ecuador and its cult began in 1696

The procession of the Lord of Miracles through the streets of Lima.

Early in the XX century, this festival was equivalent to the Lord of Luren festival celebrated in Ica and the Captive Christ of Ayabaca festival celebrated in the department of Piura.
According to a witness, the procession used to be a two day affair, starting on October 18th. Nowadays, the faithful bring the city of Lima to a halt and it is estimated that at least half a million people gather to see the image.
A close examination of the images shows that small holes have been drilled into them in which devotees placed the jewels that adorn them. These are very valuable and so is the platform on which they are carried, which weighs over two tons. The processions in Lima take place on October 18th, 19th and 20th, although they tend to last longer sometimes.
The images are carried through most of the city centre, stopping to receive homage from some of the most important public organizations, such as the Government Palace, the Municipality of Lima, the Archbishopric, the Cathedral, Congress, the Palace of Justice and the Loayza Hospital. Since 1996, because the capital city has grown so much, the image has been taken to other areas in a motorised vehicle.
The mass presence of the devout public has awarded the Lord of Miracles political values that would have been unthinkable fifty years ago. Mayors of Lima, Presidents or Congressmen make their presence known at certain times during the procession, even wearing purple habits at times. Even some artists or sportsmen attend, in the hope that the Purple Christ will share the miracle of popularity with them.
The growth of the capital city has made it impossible for the image to be carried through all the streets of Lima.
For the last few years, the Lord of Miracles has been driven through distant districts on a motorized vehicle. Processions with other replicas of the same image take place in many parts of Peru, as well as in cities abroad that have a large population of Peruvian migrants (New Jersey, New York, Rome, Madrid, Paris, etc.).
It is interesting to note that the native capital of Peru and its modern political centre have adopted two images of the crucified Christ as their patrons.
Compared to other centres of a colonial origin, Peru’s faith seems more Christcentred compared to the devotion for the image of Guadalupe in Mexico, for example. Although worship of other female images such as Santa Rosa extend beyond Lima, they cannot compete with the Christ of Pachacamilla.
Finally, the constant devotion of African descendents cannot be overlooked. The same observer brought them to mind when he talked about the brotherhood of carriers directed by an energetic foreman. One can still see a big group of coloured people alongside the image during the festivals. However, the cult does not belong to them, for it is the privilege of all Peruvians.
It has been suggested in recent years that there is continuity between the Pre-Colombian cults and the Lord of Miracles. However, there is still a lack of documentation covering the long period separating both faiths. If this theory is proved, then we would have a millenary cult still walking through the streets of Lima.

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Renata & Luis Millones. Calendario tradicional peruano (Tradicional Peruvian Calendar) . Congress Publishing Fund. Lima, 2003. 183 pages.
See also: Maria Rostworoski. Pachacamac y el Senor de los Milagros (Pachacamac and the Lord of Miracles). Institute of Peruvian Studies. Lima, 1992.

«Expressions of faith of a multitude are impressive. They are dominating, imposing, seductive, oppressive, loving and endearing. The sight of a multitude appealing to God always stirs up irresistible feelings of compassion. The procession of the Lord of Miracles through the streets of Lima produces such a deep emotion in the city that is surprisingly invaded by a rather ingenious, calming, religious response (…)
I felt it when I watched the procession. I have therefore understood what it means and what it represents in the life of the city. I cherish the moment in which this magnificent spectacle of a tumultuous crowd suddenly softened my heart.»
Jose Carlos Mariategui, La Prensa, Lima 1917.