WORTHINGTON, Minn. — In a vibrant display of culture and faith, hundreds of Guatemalans gathered at the local Catholic church to participate in a festive celebration honoring the Black Christ of Esquipulas. Adorned in colorful attire and sparkling embroideries, these devoted individuals braved the cold to commemorate what is considered their most significant festival.
As a new U.S. administration prepares for a stringent immigration policy, the community came together, filled with hope and pride, to pay tribute to the statue of the crucified Jesus, a carefully crafted replica of a cherished symbol from their homeland. The church community commissioned the statue and transported it from Guatemala, incurring considerable expense along with a pair of large marimbas essential for the celebration’s festivities.
Lucas López, a resident who migrated from San Marcos, one of Guatemala’s poorest areas, expressed deep-rooted sentiments: “The Black Christ of Esquipulas has journeyed here just like us, crossing borders and overcoming obstacles.” Now settled in Worthington with his wife, María Ramírez, and their four children, he shared how their lives have taken shape in this town significantly influenced by international migration.
During the kickoff Mass of the celebration, López and Ramírez, dressed in traditional garb, led fellow parishioners in a customary barefoot dance as they presented their offerings at the altar. “We take great joy in demonstrating our presence here and sharing our culture with everyone,” López stated, reflecting the community’s spirit.
The Black Christ of Esquipulas, with its origins tracing back to the late 16th century, annually gathers thousands of pilgrims in the basilica located in Esquipulas, Guatemala. On this day, Cardinal Fabio Baggio celebrated a Mass dedicated to this image at St. Peter’s, attracting attention far beyond its native land. Across the Americas, nearly 300 churches honor the Black Christ, allowing it to become a symbol of communal identity that transcends mere religious significance, noted Douglass Sullivan-González, a history professor.
Indeed, for many residents of Worthington, this experience revolves around migration. Gratitude for reaching the U.S. blends with nostalgia for their homeland and loved ones left behind. Within this community, which includes undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, and U.S. citizens, anxiety about who can stay mixes with pride in successfully holding a traditionally Guatemalan celebration thousands of miles away.
“It’s all in good humor, but we’re aware of the challenges,” remarked Benigno Miranda, playfully addressing the arrival of immigration officials while preparing the marimbas for transport. Miranda conveyed a sense of resilience among the celebrants, believing that their faith holds more sway over their future than the political landscape.
The presence of the Black Christ in Minnesota is seen as miraculous by many, particularly by choir member Lilia Soto. She nostalgically recalls visiting the sanctuary in Esquipulas as a child and recognized the stark difference brought about by an ICE raid in Worthington shortly after her arrival at 17. Now, the revered image resides at St. Mary’s Church, usually positioned out of reach, but brought forth for the festivities on a decorated float, representing a slice of Guatemala in their new community.
Sergio Pérez, who relocated with his sister Dilma from San Marcos to Worthington, described the effort to fund the statue and marimbas as a profound undertaking of love and sacrifice, achieving a goal that would bring their cultural identity alive in their new home. “We’ve put in hard work, but the spiritual rewards are invaluable,” Pérez shared, reflecting on the community’s endeavors.
Historically, maintaining traditional celebrations is vital for diaspora communities, as emphasized by Jennifer Hughes, a history professor. In the villages back in San Marcos, some participants lament the loss of youth to migration, underscoring a struggle many face while longing for a better future. Yet the bonds remain, strengthened through remittances and communications that help preserve cultural links from afar.
In Worthington, with more than 80% of the K-12 student body being students of color and fluent in over 40 languages, the blend of cultures is becoming commonplace. A flyer for the celebration was prominently displayed at a local Guatemalan store, indicative of the vibrant mix that defines the town. Ramírez hopes for her family’s binational future, as she prays for the possibility of visiting Guatemala without losing grasp of their American dream.
During the Mass, a procession featuring the Black Christ of Esquipulas, alongside patriotic flags, culminated in an emotional tribute. Antulio Juarez, who spent over a decade in Worthington, drew inspiration from his guatemalan roots in the music he played. Looking ahead, individuals like Sergio Pérez express a desire to see these celebrations flourish in the coming years, seeking no miracles except continuing blessings. “We feel immensely thankful for what we already have,” he noted.
In this deeply rooted community, faith remains the cornerstone, offering solace amidst life’s challenges. In Dilma Pérez’s words, “It’s our faith that motivates us to endure all that life throws our way. Our efforts are to honor God and preserve our culture.”
