The Rise of Santa Muerte: Exploring the Fastest-Growing New Religious Movement in the Americas
Title: Santa Muerte Devotion Gains Popularity Among Latinos in the U.S.
Inside a small storefront on Melrose Avenue, a group of devotees gathers for a weekly rosary service to honor Santa Muerte, a Catholic folk saint known as La Cumplidora. The service includes prayers for peace, strength, and the protection of the planet, as well as offerings of flowers and recitations of traditional prayers.
Led by Elodia Salvador, who goes by her spiritual name Sahara Garcia, the service attracts people from various cities in California who find solace and community in their devotion to Santa Muerte. One devotee, Rony Artica, shares how he turned to Santa Muerte to break a curse and has found love and peace in the temple.
Devotion to unofficial Catholic folk saints like Santa Muerte is on the rise, especially among Latinos who feel estranged from traditional Catholic practices. While Catholic leaders have denounced these saints, devotees find hope and healing in their connection to Santa Muerte.
Author William Calvo-Quirós explores the migration of popular saints from Mexico to the U.S. and the evolving meaning of these devotions. Santa Muerte, with her zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, has gained a large LGBTQ following.
Devotees like Erika Del Carmen Ruiz find a place where their queerness and Catholicism can coexist through their devotion to Santa Muerte. They share offerings and prayers with the deity, finding clarity and stability in their practice.
As the faithful prepare to honor Santa Muerte in a three-day celebration, they reflect on the power of their devotion to illuminate their own path and believe in themselves. Santa Muerte offers a sense of hope and empowerment to those who seek her guidance.
The rise of Santa Muerte devotion reflects a growing trend among Latinos in the U.S. who are seeking spiritual connection and healing outside of traditional Catholic practices. Through their devotion to Santa Muerte, they find a sense of community, acceptance, and empowerment.