Many saints in the Catholic tradition are associated with occupations. For example, Joseph with carpenters, John Vianney with priests, Luke with physicians, and Jean Baptiste de la Salle with teachers As bizarre as it sounds, even drug dealers have their own saint: Jesús Malverde. For true, I didn't make it up! This saint is sometimes known as the "angel of the poor". or the "narco-saint" He's a folklore hero in Sinaloa, and his cultus is among those involved in selling drugs.
I have seen his figure on the dashboard of some automobiles in New Orleans, a sure tip to the NOPD that the owner is in the business, if they care to bust a simple pot-seller!
The Catholic Church does not recognize him officially as a saint; however, sainthood is sometimes conferred from below rather than above. I once asked a priest if he would bless a statue of this saint or St. Expedité. He indicated that he would.
Don't ask that of an Irish priest, though. They don't have a sense of humor in such matters.
Here's a little statue of Jesús Malverde:
I have seen his figure on the dashboard of some automobiles in New Orleans, a sure tip to the NOPD that the owner is in the business, if they care to bust a simple pot-seller!
The Catholic Church does not recognize him officially as a saint; however, sainthood is sometimes conferred from below rather than above. I once asked a priest if he would bless a statue of this saint or St. Expedité. He indicated that he would.
Don't ask that of an Irish priest, though. They don't have a sense of humor in such matters.
Here's a little statue of Jesús Malverde:
And a prayer for his intercession:
8 comments:
Creepy guy.
Do you pray to him for good weed?
Can we call on him at tax time, too?
I said the prayer but since I don't know spanish I'm not sure what's going to happen.
I think you asked for forgiveness, and that your sorrow be relieved. And God knows what else.
I looked online for this guy. He's real.
He may have a role in that country much like Robin Hood had in England. Anyway, this is an interesting bit of information. Thanks for writing about him.
The statue itself looks like somthing that would be for sale at a flea market. It's really amazing what people will worshup, and what bad taste they can have.
Jesus Malverde does get around. Will he get a church next?
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