Dressed in purple robes and accompanied by prayers, hymns and profound expressions of devotion, hundreds of faithful people took part in the Oct. 25 Lord of Miracles procession through the streets of Washington, D.C.
The procession of the Cristo Morado (Purple Christ) was not only a public witness of faith, but also an opportunity for the Peruvian community to renew its hope in God and keep alive a tradition passed down from one generation to the next, even far from the land where it was born.
For the fourth consecutive year, the image of the Lord of Miracles was carried in procession from Sacred Heart Parish in the Latino neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. The Mass preceding the procession was celebrated by Father Anthony Baetzold, pastor of the parish, who emphasized in his homily the importance of the celebration for the entire community. He also invited the faithful to pray for those living with fear and uncertainty amid immigration enforcement actions and concerns about their future.
“It is important to ask the Lord to grant us confidence and consolation during these challenging times for immigrants, a time of great uncertainty about the future of families and the fear experienced by many workers who face the possibility of family separation,” Father Baetzold said. “In that context, walking alongside the Lord of Miracles also becomes a collective prayer for the protection, dignity and unity of families.”
At the conclusion of the Mass, members of the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles of Washington, D.C., which includes more than 60 members, organized themselves into groups to carry the heavy image along Park Road through the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and onto Irving Street and 16th Street, in a procession marked by prayer and the participation of numerous devotees.
The presence of the Lord of Miracles in the nation’s capital has a long history. In 1982, the image was carried in procession for the first time in the District of Columbia, initially from St. Thomas Apostle Church in the Mount Pleasant area, later from Our Lady Queen of the Americas Parish, and for the past four years from Sacred Heart Parish. Between 1990 and 1991, the first women’s carrying group was established, becoming the first of its kind in the United States.
Voices of Faith and Devotion
For many Hispanic Catholics in the Archdiocese of Washington, participating in this celebration represents far more than a religious festivity. It is an opportunity to entrust their concerns to the crucified Christ, give thanks for blessings received and find comfort amid the challenges that often accompany the immigrant experience.
The testimonies of devotees reflect the profound meaning this tradition holds for families and younger generations.
Spouses Erika and Aldo Kunamari continue to nurture their devotion to the Lord of Miracles and seek to pass on the richness of Peruvian traditions to their daughter, Melanca, allowing her to wear traditional attire and perform the marinera, Peru’s national dance, during the procession.
“Today, our family makes every effort to keep this tradition alive and to ask for the Lord’s protection over our children and relatives,” the Kunamaris said.
For Luis and Susana Gregovini, attending the procession is a tradition passed down by their parents and grandparents. They explained that the month of October holds special significance for Peruvian families, who see this celebration as an opportunity to renew their faith and strengthen family bonds.
“We find in prayer and devotion to the Lord of Miracles the strength needed to face daily challenges while also helping our children learn about and preserve this beautiful religious heritage,” they said.
Meanwhile, Isolina Campos, who has attended the Lord of Miracles procession in Washington since 1984, said the participation of so many faithful helps preserve a tradition that unites different generations and brings together people who share a common hope.
“Like me, many faithful arrived decades ago, and old age is beginning to affect us, but it brings me great joy to see children and young people born in the United States wearing the traditional purple robe, just as their parents and grandparents did,” Campos said.
Carlos López, a member of the Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles Bearers of Washington, explained that devotion to the Cristo Morado extends far beyond the annual procession, finding expression throughout the year in family life and daily prayer.
“Our Brotherhood is committed to teaching new generations that faith can sustain them during their most vulnerable moments and that processions help keep the faithful united,” he said.
The Lord of Miracles procession in Washington, D.C., reaffirms the Peruvian community’s commitment to one of its most cherished religious and cultural traditions. Through prayer, the participation of the brotherhoods and the witness of families, the Cristo Morado continues to draw together faithful of different generations in the nation’s capital.
