La santa Muerte; Death’s adoration dismays Catholic Church
The popularity of “la Santa Muerte” has grown steadily in the Sister City, with elaborate shrines to the death saint popping up on major roadways and mass-market goods appearing next to those of real saints, dismaying many Catholics.Adoration of this image, believed to be the patron saint of drug traffickers, is not authorized and, in fact, is a sin, religious leaders say.
“It shows ignorance of the faith, because Santa Muerte doesn’t exist as a person,” said Father Alberto Monjarás of the Iglesia del Santo Niño. “It’s only the transition from this world to eternity.”
La Santa Muerte is depicted as a grinning skeleton swathed in a hooded cloak, often made of red velvet, embroidered lace or black sheeting. She bears a scythe or a globe, as well as a candle, rosary and a book. In what many fervent Catholics believe is practically blasphemy, Santa Muerte is often dressed as the Virgen de Guadalupe.
Monjarás attibuted the rise of Santa Muerte’s popularity to three things: ignorance, commercialization and the devotion given to the saint by the criminal sector that uses symbols of power to dominate others.
Ana Laura Pienda, of the Yerbería San José, said men and women, adults and teens take refuge in this worship, buying candles, amulets, herbs, incense and just about any other article that features la Santa Muerte. They all are staking their faith on the death saint to bring about their desires.A man, who asked to be identified only as Ramón, bought several items one day last week, including a scapular with the image of la Santa Muerte. The scapular, composed of two square pieces of cloth linked with a cord that is worn about the neck inside clothing as a sign of devotion to a particular saint, is a common Catholic tradition.
He said he believes in Santa Muerte, and puts his faith in her.
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