Lord of Casanova, Lord of Burgos, Lord of the Olive Tree, and Lord of Mercy: Centenary Christs that Frame the Faith in Villa de Pozos
In this municipality of San Luis Potosí, ancient images of Christ, some over a century old, are safeguarded by generations of families who keep alive one of the most deeply rooted religious expressions.
In the municipality of Villa de Pozos, San Luis Potosí, devotion is passed down from generation to generation through the care of various Christs that participate in the traditional Procession of the Christs, a manifestation of faith deeply ingrained among the families of Villa de Pozos.
Many of these images are over one hundred years old and remain under the care of families who have documented their history over time.
Among them, the Lord of Casanova stands out, considered the oldest on record.
Unlike others, it is the only one that remains inside a church.
Its figure, with proportions similar to those of a human body, dates back to the 17th century.
According to tradition, during the War of Independence, Father Miguel Hidalgo passed through Villa de Pozos, where he stayed overnight and celebrated a Mass in which he blessed this image.
At the feet of the Christ figure, various mementos placed by believers as a sign of gratitude for favors received can be seen.
Currently, this image no longer participates in the procession, in order to prevent its deterioration and preserve its integrity.
It is located in a chapel that was part of the first phase of construction of the San Francisco de Asís parish church, which was later expanded, maintaining this space.
Also noteworthy at this site is an altarpiece considered the last vestige in Mexico of the Baroque period.
Another image is the Lord of Burgos, which remains under the care of 85-year-old Félix Pedroza.
The custodian recounted that the figure came to his family from his great-grandfather, then passed to his grandmother, then to his mother, and finally to him.
He explained that each year different families take charge of changing the veil, following a list where those interested sign up in advance, with some families scheduling their turn for up to four decades.
Meanwhile, the Lord of the Olive Tree has been cared for by José Fraga for over four decades.
The image is named after the site where it is located, which is related to a former barracks.
During the procession, it is accompanied by offerings such as chamomile, oranges, and colorful flags, presented by the bearers.
It is a Christ figure carved in wood, with real hair placed there as a vow.
According to the story, it came to this family after being acquired on the roadside.
The Lord of Refuge, meanwhile, has been under the care of Jobita Hernández for 65 years. She explained that the image came to her home as a gift for her husband and has been protected by her family ever since.
Also featured is the Lord of Mercy, belonging to the Vargas Corpus family, who have safeguarded not only this image but two others: one dedicated to Divine Death and another to Our Lady of Labor.
These figures were given to their great-grandparents and are currently cared for by four sisters.
One of them, Francisca, has dedicated more than six decades to their preservation.
The images often wear ribbons on their wrists, which symbolize the moment when, at the beginning of Holy Thursday, they are taken down from the cross and then placed back in their place on Good Friday.
Thus, amidst family stories, fulfilled promises, and deep devotion, Villa de Pozos keeps alive a tradition where faith is not only celebrated but also passed down.
Source: El Universal
