EDITORIAL: As Connecticut's Peruvian Community Grows, So Does Its Faith in The Lord of Miracles

Cover of "Traditions without Borders",  of Boceto Media

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By Maricarmen Cajahuaringa, Editor and Publisher of Boceto Media.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Hispanic community in Connecticut now represents over 18 percent of the state’s population, with Peruvians comprising the second-largest group. This vibrant community has not only brought with them the pursuit of the American dream, but also its rich cultural traditions and deep faith.

As the editor and publisher of Boceto Media, I felt it was essential to highlight one of the most significant cultural and religious celebrations in my community, the annual festivity of the Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles), celebrated every October. This short docu-reporting story, titled "Traditions Without Borders", offers a glimpse into the history and cultural importance of this event, with a focus on the Peruvian community’s devotion and how this tradition has found its place in Connecticut.

The idea for this project came during a capstone assignment for my Master’s in Journalism and Media Production. As I thought about the story, I realized this was the perfect opportunity to share the Peruvian community's unique story with a wider audience, especially those outside the Latino/Hispanic community. The film would not only showcase the cultural contributions of Peruvians, but also tell a universal story of faith that transcends borders. 

Filmed after the pandemic, when the world was beginning to recover and return to some semblance of normalcy, the film became a timely reflection on cultural resilience and the importance of community traditions in healing. I shared the idea with Elvis Tuesta, the Peruvian Consul for Connecticut and Rhode Island, who immediately saw the potential to highlight the Peruvian community's contributions to the state. 

The project was later recognized by several state and local organizations for its efforts, including the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Central Connecticut State University’s Department of Latino Studies, and the Journalism School at Sacred Heart University. 

However, the journey of this reporting has deep roots in the community and its history. 

The CT Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracle,  known as HESMIPERU, was founded in 1968 by a group of Peruvian Catholics in Hartford. Tito Contreras, then president of HESMIPERU, shared that the idea to bring a replica of the revered Señor de los Milagros statue to Connecticut stemmed from the desire to have a physical representation of their faith, something that could serve as a point of unity for the growing Peruvian community.

According to Contreras, in 1968, a group of Peruvian residents in Connecticut decided to commission Peruvian artist Víctor Jacobo Gálvez to paint a replica of the original Señor de los Milagros image. The project was overseen by Rev. Nicolás Vicente, a Franciscan priest from Lima, Peru, who ensured the statue’s authenticity and managed the logistics of its transport to the United States. 

The first CT stewards of the brotherhood Isaias Gorritti, Julio Avilez, and Evangelina Romero, took on the monumental task of raising funds for the statue’s production and shipping. On August 30, 1968, the statue and the Virgin of the Clouds arrived at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, where a delegation of believers welcomed it.

It was then housed at St. Peter's Church in Hartford, and the first Señor de los Milagros procession took place on October 27, 1968.

The event was attended by local dignitaries, including then Connecticut Governor John N. Dempsey and Hartford Mayor Ann Uccello.

In 1970, HESMIPERU was officially incorporated as a legal entity in the state of Connecticut, with the guidance of pro-bono legal advisor George Athanson, who later became mayor of Hartford.

In 1972, due to the growing size of the community, the image was moved from St. Peter’s Church to Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hartford, where it remains today, serving as the spiritual center for the Peruvian community and Catholic devotees in the region.

The Señor de los Milagros is a beloved figure not just for Peruvians, but for Catholics around the world. The original image, which resides in the Church of the Carmelites in Lima, Peru, attracts thousands of faithful from around the world who walk in procession every year. Many of them recount personal miracles and blessings granted through their devotion.

In the interviews for this project, I heard similar stories from local community members who shared how their faith in the Señor de los Milagros had brought about personal miracles in their lives. As the scriptures say, “Faith moves mountains.” And for many, this faith crosses borders, uniting people from all walks of life.

"Traditions without Borders", had its avant-première on November 16, 2022, at Hartford City Hall, where a special gathering of important local, state, and community leaders came together to watch the film. The event was not only an opportunity to showcase the film, but also a chance to reflect on the significance of this tradition.

Attendees shared their thoughts on the cultural and spiritual importance of the Señor de los Milagros procession, and the film's message of faith, community, and resilience resonated deeply with everyone present. 

It's important to note that this film is not associated with any particular 

organization, group, or individual. As a journalist, my goal was to capture and share the universal story behind this tradition, a faith that transcends nationality and brings people together. The Señor de los Milagros is a symbol of devotion, not just for Peruvians, but for anyone who believes in the power of faith. 

The tradition is truly a "Tradition Without Borders." It is a testament to the cultural richness and spiritual strength of the Peruvian community in Connecticut and beyond.

You might wonder why it took me so long to share this story publicly. Honestly, I can’t pinpoint exactly why, and I’m not sure I have the words to fully explain it. But there is one thing I do know: the process of creating this film taught me more than I could have imagined.

From hauling heavy gear to walking alongside the people I was filming, and conducting the interviews, it was a lot to manage on my own. It made me appreciate the hard work my colleagues in the industry put into their craft, not just as professionals, but also as storytellers who care about our communities.

Post-production was its own challenge. There were so many clips to edit, and a ton of technical hurdles I had to navigate. Even though I have experience with video editing, this project pushed my skills to another level. In the end, it gave me a clearer sense of what I can improve on for my next project.

As I put the final touches on this film, I made the decision to dedicate this project to my grandfather, Alberto Cajahuaringa Rivero. He inspired me to be a fighter, to be a voice for those who need it, and to never give up. I will always love you.

Now, with mid-November here, and October behind us, as we head into Thanksgiving and Christmas, I feel like this is the perfect time to finally share this story. It’s been a journey, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned along the way.

*Disclaimer:*

This film is for educational purposes only. No funds or financial benefits were received during the pre-production or post-production of this video. I am not the author of the music featured in the video. The music used is authorized under YouTube guidelines and includes the following tracks:

Himno al Señor de los Milagros by Isabel Rodríguez Larraín

Ritmo, Color y Sabor by Carlos Rincón, Moisés Vargas, and singer Eva Ayllón.

Voy Cantando al Señor by Willi Rivera

Al Gran Señor de los Milagros by Zaperoko La Resistencia Salsera del Callao

These tracks have been authorized for use according to YouTube’s music licensing policies.

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