Blessed Objects

While visiting the healing shrine in Chimayo, N.M., Helen becomes curious about small metallic replicas of farm animals and body parts that are pinned to the statues of saints.

What do they mean?

Called milagros (miracles), Latinos use these silver or tin objects for two purposes. One requests a healing favor, and the other gives thanks for one. Milagros are blessed by the priest, and petitioners buy them in the shape of the body part that needs healing or has been healed. They hang them in the church as an offering. Animal shapes represent requests or appreciation for healing or fertility. Milagros exemplify the Catholic tradition of blessing objects to promote God’s favor or to make a visible statement of faith. Priests may also bless houses, cars, rosaries, animals or statues.

For the past 10 years, Father Ken Deasy has participated in the blessing of shoes of L.A. Marathon runners. The night before the race, runners bring their shoes to St. Agatha’s, where Deasy prays that the shoes carry their owners safely across the finish line.