The Story of Black Jesus in Campeche
The original San Román Church in Campeche was built in 1563 following a severe locust plague that devastated local crops. Rather than serving as a physical barrier against insects, the chapel was erected to seek divine protection and honor San Román Mártir chosen by lot as the patron saint against the infestation.
All that’s needed to finish the project is a nice crucifix for the altar area of the church. What happens next is extraordinary.
Juan Cano de Coca Gaitán and companions set sail north to the port of Alvarado, Veracruz, in search of a worthy crucifix. Upon their arrival, they discover a unique piece that’s just arrived from Europe. The beautiful ebony wood crucifix, carved in Civitavecchia, Italy, is a genuine work of art. A beautiful black Jesus.
The Black Jesus (at 5 foot 9 inches or 1.8 meters) is one of the most unique crucifixes anyone has ever seen. They purchase the Black Jesus crucifix and have it properly crated up for the voyage back to Campeche.
Juan goes to one captain headed back to Campeche to ask if he’ll take them and his cargo. The captain asks what’s in the cargo, and Juan tells him about the crucifix. The captain tells Juan that he hates Jesus and now he hates Juan too and wants nothing to do with them and to find another ride.
Juan goes to a second captain, asking for passage. This captain tells Juan that by all means they can take them. So, Juan and company, and the crucifix load on the ship and set out for a two-day trip back to Campeche.
Then, it happens…
From out of nowhere, a violent storm overtakes this part of the Gulf of Mexico. The sailors know there is no way they’ll survive. They’re below deck, hoping they make it. As they peek out of the deck hatch, they see a black sailor at the helm steering the ship through the storm. The captain thinks this is very odd because he has no black sailors on his ship.
The ship that rejected Juan and Black Jesus was lost in the storm. None survived
Because of the strength of the storm, Juan’s ship quickly glided to Campeche, arriving a day early. Tuesday, September 14, 1565. Upon arrival, the entire town turned out to meet them at the dock. When Juan asked how they knew they’d be early, the townsfolk told Juan that during the night a black man had been going from door to door, telling everyone what time to come to meet the ship.
They were literally, and figuratively, blown away.
They bring the watertight crate to the church. When they open the crate, instead of a nice dry Black Jesus, they find a very drenched Black Jesus as though he himself had been out in the storm! They all gave thanks to God for the mercy He has shown.
This was nearly 500 years ago, and to this day, before fishermen and sailors set sail, they visit the church to pray before their black patron saint for safety at sea.
Come hungry!