Folk Saints on the Border

Folk Saints of the Borderlands: Victims, Bandits, and Healers by James S. Griffith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Along the border straddling the US / Mexico border a growing phenomenon is blooming. It has been going on for some time , probably starting in the late 19 th century. This is the veneration of folk saints. The folk saints answer prayers, bestow health and prosperity upon their followers. The most well known is Santa Muerte, but she is not discussed in this work.

These folk saints despite their wide veneration in Mexico, will most likely never be granted Saint Hood by the Catholic Church. That seems to be reserved for European white folks. These saints are healers, bandits and Robin Hoods.

Juan Soldano was a human soldier in Mexico, who was supposedly accused of a crime he did not commit. For that he was shot in a cemetery and buried there. He is one you pray to find justice. Actually the whole town wanted to lynch him. It was only later that he was believed to be innocent. In due time he was elevated to Saint Hood.

The second Saint was Mother Terresita. Her father was wealthy but has some political dispute with the governor. He moved further north in Mexico. Later when Porfiro the dictatorial president came to power and there was lots of fighting she went to live in California. Constantly revolutionaries invoked her name, despite whether she liked it or not.

Jesus Malverde was a sort of Robin Hood who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. He used to rob stage coaches. Some say he did not exist at all but was a combination of two other bandits. Supposedly he was hung. He is a narco Saint . In other words a Saint that helps drug dealer.

Pancho Villa was a revolutionary who opposed president Porofiro. Pancho would steal livestock from wealthy farmers and give it to the poor. He also was known to kill indiscriminately. He was eventually assassinated. Some time spiritists will channel his spirit. He is a great defender of the poor and week and he also used to grope women and has has several affairs.

Pedrito and El Niño Fidenci were healers who cares for the people and gave them all food when they came. There are more details to share but you have to read the book to find out more.

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