The icon of the black Jesus Christ. Parishioners walk in a long maze-like entry to wait in line to pray to the icon. They then walk out of the area where the icon is without turning their back on it - they walk out backwards, a gesture of reverence.
Another icon in the church. Christ, after being flogged. Very real-looking, kept in a glass casing. It is placed along the long entryway to the icon of Christ on the cross in the previous picture.
Mary Magdalene
One of the many saints on display inside the church.
A beautiful wall hanging.
In front of the cathedral.
Looking out toward the separate entrance to the icon of Christ on the cross. After parishioners have passed by the icon, the back their way down into another area where they are invited to light a candle to yet another icon of Christ. I was unable to take a picture of this "capilla del quema de candelas" (chapel of burning candles), as my camera ran out of battery.
Looking out from the entrance to the main cathedral. Beautiful view!
Another view from the cathedral.
The town of Esquipulas is known world-wide for being the 'home' of the church of the black Jesus. On our way home from Tikal and our other adventures, we decided to take a detour and see the famous cathedral. It is absolutely beautiful, like most Catholic churches I've seen. The artwork inside, the architecture of the building, all demonstrations of amazing skill. However, it saddened me, once again, to see so many people looking for hope and answers to life's unending questions through reverence and prayers to powerless idols.
Don't forget! We look forward to hearing your comments about the posts! Please don't be shy - click on the comment hyperlink at the bottom of the posts, and tell us what you think! Or, you can send emails too... We love and miss our friends and family in Oregon, and we hope that you're enjoying the pictures!
2 comments:
Can i like ditch school now and come over! your having way too much fun...i need some R and R with my babies! and family (the sane ones at least) lol....hmmm maybe lilly will go get married for the 100th time at the church!!! how exciting >.< !!!
I have loved living vicarisly (sp?) through your pictures and your adventures. It is amazing the beauty that God has put on this earth.
Even through the icons in the church though, I think if it helps just one person sit and concentrate, meditate and give them something to focus on, then it has served it's purpose. I had a hard time figure out how to think of them at first, think people "prayed" to them too, but one of my good friends told me she just used it as a starting place to concentrate on clearing her mind and praying her heart. I liked that explination...
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