![]() "It is difficult for a Catholic to practice Santeria because of some of the elements it contains," said Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington. The Vatican warns the faithful against all forms of "divination," which is defined broadly and includes many of the rites inherent to Santeria. There are at least half a dozen botanicas throughout the area that sell the wares that santeros use: from herbs and animal parts used for potions to candles to ceremonial pots.Īlthough many practitioners consider themselves Roman Catholic, Santeria is not recognized as a religion by the Catholic Church. Santeria now attracts several thousand adherents in the region who cross ethnic, racial, professional and religious lines. It has become more visible in the 20 years since the Mariel boat lift brought Cubans such as Hernandez to the District. The religion, once largely unknown in the metropolitan area, venerates saints and incorporates a belief in divination, spirit possession and the sacrifice of animals to appease the gods. ![]() The slaves eventually adopted the same Catholic saints because they were able to identify characteristics in them reminiscent of their own African gods. The religion originated with West African slaves who were shipped to the New World and forced by Spanish colonials to worship as Catholics. ![]() Hernandez is one of about a dozen high priests, or babalawos, in the Washington area who practice Santeria, an Afro-Cuban faith with roots in the Yoruba region of Nigeria. For the 50 or so gathered in a room off the living room, this night's ceremony will last three hours, shorter than usual because tomorrow is a workday. His house is ablaze with lights and drumming and singing. But here at the home of 72-year-old Eloy Hernandez, the day has just begun. The clock strikes 12, and the brick row houses along this quiet Columbia Heights street go dark in the bitterly cold December night. They have asked Saint Lazarus to grant one wish: "That next year, we have the health to light another candle." This is a simple but important moment, the high priest says. Later, they will sweep it over their bodies to draw out any bad spirits. They take a small burlap bag of grains and seeds. One by one, crowded shoulder-to-shoulder, the devotees light the 51 yellow candles on the altar to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Lazarus, or Babalu-Aye. Then an "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary," all in Spanish. First to San Lazaro, or Saint Lazarus, considered a healer of physical and spiritual pain. Minutes before midnight and the prayers begin.
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