Watch | Why some Mexicans worship “Saint Death”

In a country wracked by drug violence and poverty, Santa Muerte, or “Saint Death” or “Holy Death” is appealing to many people in Mexico.At the beginning of each month, at a temple dedicated to Saint Death in the Mexico City neighborhood of Morelos, followers pray in front of a grim reaper figure behind a glass case.They leave offerings of tequila, rum, beer, cigarettes, cash, flowers and candy at altars adorned with rosaries and candles.This is one of the most popular shrines in the city and is located in a crime-ridden area.Enriqueta Romero, who has been a Saint Death believer for the past 57 years, set up the shrine after her son gave her a Saint Death figure, which is now honored by dozens of people daily, who also ask Romero for her blessing.The worship of a female skeletal grim reaper strays from the image of one of the world's most devout Roman Catholic countries. Unlike other home-grown Mexican tenets of faith that have mixed with Catholicism, the Vatican has taken a hard line against Santa Muerte.

 
SHARE
Story Saved
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App
crown-icon
Subscribe Now!