The procession began early in the morning, with devotees carrying the statue of Jesus up the steep slopes. Volunteers from the community took turns bearing the statue, which symbolizes their gratitude for the blessings they believe they have received.
Pedro Chachal, a devotee participating in the procession, told reporters, “This is a privilege for us, it is a great blessing for Santa Maria de Jesus, our community. We are here, all of us are faithful devotees, eager to be here and receive the blessing of the Christ of the Heights.”
Maria Apolonia Vazquez, another devotee, explained, “He has performed miracles for me. This Christ has done so many miracles for me. That’s why we come with devotion, with love, to bring him back to his chapel.”
The annual pilgrimage, which has been a tradition for nearly five decades, attracts locals seeking divine intervention for rain, abundant harvests, and assistance with personal struggles. The statue, which was temporarily removed for restoration in July due to its deteriorating condition, was returned to its sacred site during this year’s event.
The procession highlights the continued importance of this tradition, where pilgrims come together to honor the statue and seek blessings. The Christ of the Heights statue remains a significant symbol for the local community, and its return to the chapel marks a key moment in the annual spiritual observance.
Wildfires raging across Los Angeles have reached the Hollywood Hills, forcing over 100,000 evacuations and threatening iconic landmarks like the Dolby Theatre. With strong winds fuelling six major blazes, officials warn of worsening conditions as firefighting efforts are stretched thin.
In a poignant moment of national grief, the Government of Georgia has declared January 9 a day of mourning following the tragic death of five children in a fire in Saberio, reaffirming the country's solidarity with the affected families.
Amid growing global attention on Greenland’s sovereignty, residents and leaders of the Arctic island have firmly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about potentially using military or economic measures to control the territory.
The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, was found in a Gaza tunnel, with evidence suggesting his son may also have been killed, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday.
Greenlandic Finance Minister Erik Jensen firmly rejected any notion of Greenland being sold, as tensions rose over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments on taking control of the Arctic island.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the importance of improved coordination between military and civilian services following the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which resulted in 38 fatalities.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet's Himalayan foothills, killing at least 100 and shaking Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Tremors reached as far as Kathmandu and Thimphu.
Wildfires raging across Los Angeles have reached the Hollywood Hills, forcing over 100,000 evacuations and threatening iconic landmarks like the Dolby Theatre. With strong winds fuelling six major blazes, officials warn of worsening conditions as firefighting efforts are stretched thin.
Amid growing global attention on Greenland’s sovereignty, residents and leaders of the Arctic island have firmly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about potentially using military or economic measures to control the territory.
Greenlandic Finance Minister Erik Jensen firmly rejected any notion of Greenland being sold, as tensions rose over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments on taking control of the Arctic island.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has barricaded himself in his Seoul residence for a fifth day as authorities seek his arrest on insurrection charges. Amid rising protests and tensions, the standoff follows Yoon's controversial martial law decree and subsequent impeachment.
Devastating wildfires fueled by powerful winds force mass evacuations in Los Angeles, scorching homes and landmarks as firefighters battle uncontained blazes across the region.
Wildfires raging across Los Angeles have reached the Hollywood Hills, forcing over 100,000 evacuations and threatening iconic landmarks like the Dolby Theatre. With strong winds fuelling six major blazes, officials warn of worsening conditions as firefighting efforts are stretched thin.
In a poignant moment of national grief, the Government of Georgia has declared January 9 a day of mourning following the tragic death of five children in a fire in Saberio, reaffirming the country's solidarity with the affected families.
Amid growing global attention on Greenland’s sovereignty, residents and leaders of the Arctic island have firmly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about potentially using military or economic measures to control the territory.
The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, was found in a Gaza tunnel, with evidence suggesting his son may also have been killed, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday.
Greenlandic Finance Minister Erik Jensen firmly rejected any notion of Greenland being sold, as tensions rose over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments on taking control of the Arctic island.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment