Importance of the Black Christ of Esquipulas

In Latin America as a whole, Catholicism is the religion more rooted In each country In Latin America there are its own devotional manifestations and, in the case of Guatemala, the Black Christ of Esquipulas is the image most venerated by the people. This crucifix with the representation of Christ is found in the Basilica of Esquipulas, located in the city with the same name.

Its origin dates back to the end of the 16th century.

The origin of the image has an exact date, August 20, 1595. This historical data is known because almost 100 years later the contract was found by which the person in charge of the bishopric and the creator of the image (the Portuguese sculptor Quirio Cataño) agreed to create the new piece sculptural.

There is some controversy about the color original of the image. For some it acquired the black color from exposure to candle smoke, while others They affirm that it is their original color and that it is related to the pre-Hispanic roots of the town Guatemalan.

The veneration of this image extends throughout Central America. In this sense, it must be remembered that in several countries there are replicas of the Black Christ of Esquipulas (for example, in the Mexican city of Aguascalientes or in Juayúa in El Salvador). On the other hand, the Guatemalan community living in the United States is also devoted to this sacred image.

Guatemalan Catholics believe that Christ manifested himself in Santiago Esquipulas, the old Esquipulas

In the Judeo-Christian tradition it is affirmed that God manifested himself in some places, such as Mount Sinai or the Tabernacle. For Catholic believers in Central America, the image of the Black Christ symbolizes his real presence in the territory of Guatemala.

The faithful attribute numerous miracles to him and especially the healing of the sick. The abundant testimonies in this sense explain the deep devotion of the believers. In it language This image is popularly known by different names, such as "el moreno" or "el colocho". However, his official name is "the Lord of Miracles of Esquipulas."

On January 15 of each year, the patron saint of the Black Christ is celebrated and thousands of believers come on pilgrimage from all corners of Central America to contemplate the image of Christ. throughout the history several popes have recognized the Basilica of Esquipulas as a holy place.