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Published: December 26th 2009
We are in a small town called Esquipulas for Christmas! It is a popular religious pilgrimage site because of the crucifix in the basilica which has a black Christ.
Took 4 buses and about 10 hours to get here but we made it in time to find our hotel, clean up, and go to 10 pm mass on Christmas Eve. The church is beautiful and much larger than most other churches we've seen in Central America.
History of Esquipulas - the town was founded by the Spaniards in mid 1500s. We've heard different things about why it is a black Christ so I don't want to write the wrong thing here. Will update later. But anyway, the crucifix was installed in 1595 and was accredited with miraculous powers. "But after the bishop of Guatemala, Pardo de Figueroa, was cured of a chronic ailment on a trip to Esquipulas in 1737 things really took off. The bishop ordered the construction of a new church, which was completed in 1758."
We splurged on a nicer hotel than normal - it has hot water, a clean bathroom, cable TV and a pool!! Just relaxing, watching Christmas movies, walking around the town
Candles and another crucifix
A really pretty area outside the church to place candles and to pray.and having a merry Christmas 😊
Feliz Navidad a todos!!
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Mom
non-member comment
Feliz Navidad
Loved the picture of you and Ashley in front of the Cathdral. Looks like a beautiful church! We miss you here, but glad you are having a Merry Christmas in Guatemala! It was fun skyping with you on Christmas Day. Love, Mom