Pilgrimage as spiritual preparation
An image of the Divine Child of the Miracle, a work by sculptor Enrique Roncal, has begun a pilgrimage through various parishes in Lima as part of the spiritual preparations for the future visit of Pope Leo XIV to Peru. This initiative is coordinated by the Eucharistic Miracle Peru 1649 Group, which seeks to promote Eucharistic devotion around the miracle that occurred in Eten in 1649.
A push from the Peruvian episcopate
Jesús León Ángeles, coordinator of the group, emphasized that the pilgrimage is framed within Eucharistic celebrations, stressing that «an image is only a representation, which is why we promote the Eucharist.» Recently, a Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of Lima presided over by the vicar general, Fr. Víctor Solís, who encouraged praying for the soon official recognition of the miracle. The coordinator also noted the growing international interest, evidenced by visits from cardinals such as Pedro Barreto in 2019 and the upcoming visit of Michael Czerny on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick in Chiclayo.
Path towards canonical recognition
The process for the formal recognition of the Eucharistic miracle of Eten was promoted by Bishop Robert Prevost during his service as bishop of Chiclayo, a position he held before being elected Pope. In 2019, the then-bishop indicated that the case was «90%» approved, although Pope Francis requested additional studies. These investigations, conducted in collaboration with San Ignacio de Loyola University and the University of Extremadura, include an analysis of the digital impact of the miracle, which has experienced a notable increase in searches since 2021.
Project for a national sanctuary
A significant milestone on this path was the transfer, in July 2021, of 11 hectares of land in Ciudad Eten by the Regional Government of Lambayeque to the Diocese of Chiclayo. This land, intended for the construction of the first Eucharistic sanctuary in Peru, could also host a massive Mass during a potential visit by the Pontiff. «I believe the steps have already been taken and the miracle will soon be recognized,» expressed Jesús Ángeles.
History and relevance of a devotion
The Eucharistic miracle of Eten dates back to June 2, 1649, when, during the Mass on the eve of Corpus Christi in the town of Santa Magdalena de Eten, the Child Jesus appeared in a consecrated host. The phenomenon was repeated on July 22 of the same year, with the appearance of the Child and later three intertwined hearts symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Although the hosts are not preserved, the devotion has remained alive for more than 370 years, documented in Franciscan archives. In June 2024, Pope Francis granted a Jubilee Year with a plenary indulgence for pilgrims who visit the Santa María Magdalena parish in Ciudad Eten.
Itinerary of the pilgrim image
The image of the Divine Child of the Miracle will visit, among other places, the parish of Our Lady of Light in Comas (February 15) and the Cathedral of Lurín (March 22), continuing its itinerary through churches in Bellavista, Magdalena, and Surco in the following months, fostering prayer and expectation for the final decision that now rests with Pope Leo XIV.
Original source: www.aciprensa.com (published on February 9, 2026)
Photo: Alvaro Palacios on Unsplash
