Devotees in Peru anticipate the new pope to endorse a phenomenon from the 17th century, considered a Divine Miracle associated with the Eucharist
In the heart of Eten, a small town in Peru, preparations are underway for a significant religious milestone. The Eucharistic Shrine of the Divine Child of the Miracle is set to be built, marking the first Eucharistic shrine in the country.
The planned shrine is associated with a miraculous event that occurred in Eten, an incident considered the only Eucharistic miracle in Peru. This miracle has been gaining recognition, with the Vatican viewing it as a potential global pilgrimage site.
The story of the Eucharistic miracle in Eten was first shared by the Peruvian bishops' conference in 2023. However, the Vatican has yet to issue an official statement recognising the event.
The Divine Child, depicted in a statue wearing a traditional straw hat and set in the centre of the sun, has become a central figure in the parish sanctuary. The apparition of the child in a holy Communion host is said to have begun a particular devotion to the Christ Child.
The bishop's promotion of the Divine Child's apparent miracle is seen as a reflection of his appreciation for popular piety, which is widespread in Peru and much of Latin America. According to Veronique Lecaros, head of the theology department at Peru's Pontifical Catholic University, the bishop's actions demonstrate his closeness to the people and their way of living the faith.
The Divine Child's appearance is believed to have occurred during a celebration of the Eucharist in June 1649. Another apparition followed the next month during a religious festival, with the Child Jesus and three small hearts representing the Trinity appearing.
Pope Leo XIV visited Eten to venerate the Divine Child. Then-Bishop Robert F. Prevost started the process of formally recognising the Divine Child's appearance as a Eucharistic miracle in 2019. Pope Leo expressed his appreciation for the miracle, stating that it is a gift for all of Peru.
The pope's presence in Eten is fondly remembered for his kindness and willingness to offer blessings and protection. Paintings of the apparition are displayed in the old chapel of the St. Mary Magdalene parish church in Eten.
A 14-year-old, Camila Soto, spoke of her special devotion to the Divine Child of the Miracle. Her late father dedicated her to the figure, and she expressed a sense of belonging to the Divine Child, viewing the devotion as a symbol of her father's love still being present.
David Agren, a journalist writing for a website from Eten, Peru, has been documenting the development of the Eucharistic Shrine. The construction of the shrine is seen as a task for all Peruvians, a dream to make come true, as encouraged by Pope Leo.
The Divine Child of the Miracle is a religious figure venerated in the Indigenous Mochica community of Eten, adding a unique cultural dimension to the shrine's significance. As the construction progresses, the anticipation builds for the completion of this historic religious site.
