Photo by Miguel Timoshenkov | Laredo Morning Times
An image carved in granite of ‘Santa Muerte,’ the unofficial patron of the drug
underworld, takes a drag as it stands silent witness to the razing.
Posted on 03/25/2009 7:23:51 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
Agents demolish altars on public property
NUEVO LAREDO - Tuesday dawned to the sight of more than 30 altars and chapels to "Santa Muerte," the unofficial patron of the drug underworld, lying in ruins on the public right-of-way along a stretch of Federal Highway 85 about 13 miles south of the city.
The razing was done as a joint operation of local, state and federal governments, but no agency official would admit on the record to taking part in the effort.
One city employee, who asked not to be identified, said the operation came as the result of requests from the public, who had been asking authorities for some time to get rid of the altars to Santa Muerte, a pseudo-saint not recognized by the Catholic Church.
Many Catholics see the Santa Muerte as an abomination, and the church decries its adoration. Death, religious leaders say, is not a saint and does not perform miracles.
Bishop Gustavo Rodríguez Vega of the Diocese of Nuevo Laredo has said the government should take down the altars that are built in the public right-of-way.
But there are those who consider the Santa Muerte their option of last resort and were upset by the demolition.
"I knew something was going to happen," said Solane Arellano, as she and family members searched through the ruins for offerings that they had left at an altar.
"She did us a great favor. I won't tell you what it was about, but it was something major."
Santa Muerte is often depicted as a skeleton in robes.
Like other real saints recognized by the church, these icons are given offerings of food, drink and other items as their faithful plead for special favors.
Among the chapels that were destroyed was a large, two-story structure with fine finishes and another that had marble columns and inlaid tile floors.
Tuesday morning, the only things still standing in the area were two large, carved granite and stone images, which officials said would be removed later.
Soldiers stood by as the altars and chapels were razed, but they did not participate in the destruction, according to an Army spokesman.
"We were there only to secure the area. (The demolition) was done by the three levels of civil government," the spokesman said.
"We support the actions of the authorities."
Tuesday afternoon, numerous adherents of Santa Muerte were at the site, combing through piles of rubble for personal effects.
"This is wrong. I can believe and worship whoever I please," said Ana María Lazcano.
"Why did they do this?"
While Mexico does have freedom of religion, officials said the altars and chapels were illegally constructed on government property.
Before the demolition began, officials said, they removed personal items from the altars and chapels and took them to a safe place, where they can be claimed later.
At the scene, soldiers stood guard to prevent any trouble, and military personnel took photographs of the vehicles that arrived and people visiting the wreckage.
(To reach, Miguel Timoshenkov call 728-2583 or timo1@lmtonline.com)
Saint Death?
Saint Murder?
(Sorry, my espanol is rusty.)
Saint Death ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
Also known as SATAN
Cue Church Lady pic!
; )
Santa Muerte = Santa Mielda!
God’s Chil’run.
Literally, “saint death.”
I think the idea is “holy death.”
Mi espanol sucks, too ;-)
But, this reminds me of Gideon throwing down the altars to Baal in Judges. This sounds like a good thing, to me.
See: "BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) - The bodies of a dozen people were found in a mass grave at a ranch outside the Mexican border town of Matamoros (Brownsville), and authorities Tuesday blamed the killings on satanic rituals and human sacrifice" from several years back. Drug dealing was involved, of course.
Oh, now, come on!
It’s just that wonderful “diversity” we keep getting shoved down our throats. <sarc
Just wait until Satan comes collecting for that favor. Someone needs to tell the Mexicans about Faust or at least make sure Ghost Rider is released there.
Human sacrifice here in the states?...not so far fetched, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it is already happening....IMO...
Dead goat, with threatening note, dumped at assemblyman’s home
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2201352/posts
What Illegal Aliens Have Done To Saluda SC! (Photos)
http://www.americanshavehadenough.org/Saluda_Destroyed.htm
There's a whole gaggle of Brujas out there, right this second, conjuring up an evil reprisal.
Bad stuff is going to happen shortly.
Like the voodoo hex they put on the US soccer team?
US beat Mexico 2-0
This hex will be on their own. Probably works better that way.
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