Chiclayo, November 4 (askanews) – For centuries, Zana, a small town in northern Peru, has carried the reputation of being a cursed city. Once a wealthy colonial city, it was devastated by a major flood in 1720. Today, amidst the nearly deserted streets, remain the ruins of its imposing churches. “It was punished, excommunicated by the Catholic Church, and declared a cursed city,” says Rosario Cossio, a teacher, “a city where practically no sacraments could be celebrated.” Now, however, Zana, with just 4.200 inhabitants, is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV, expected on November 14.
For many residents, his visit marks the end of an era. "The curse is behind us. The curse is gone, now there is a blessing," says María Colchado, a volunteer on the organizing committee. "And already now, because with the Pope's arrival in Zana, we are more than blessed." Leo XIV knows Zana well. As bishop of Chiclayo, he returned there for the feast of San Toribio de Mogrovejo, who died here in 1606.
This year marks the 300th anniversary of his canonization. "The Holy Father holds Zana in his heart and wanted to visit this shrine," says Edinson Farfán, bishop of Chiclayo, "because Saint Toribio has much to say, not only to Peru, but to the entire universal Church." Meanwhile, the chapels are being repainted and families are preparing their homes to welcome pilgrims.
María Colchado and her family will host about thirty of them: “There's another bedroom here. And there are the mattresses. We have spare ones here. And over here there are more. In short, we're ready for battle.”
Askanews