The Conferencia del Episcopado Mexicano (Mexican Bishops' Conference) has issued a clarification further condemning the devotional tradition surrounding La Santa Muerte. In a statement that tightens the official position on the cult, the Conference details a number of points that draw no uncertain terms on the orthodox rejection of Santa Muerte as a legitimate, or even … Continue reading Conferencia del Episcopado Mexicano (Mexican Bishops’ Conference) issues ‘Clarification’ on Santa Muerte
Mexico’s Trinity of Death: Santa Muerte, Day of the Dead and Calavera Catrina, An Illustrated Overview
The season of death is at hand. Halloween and the Mexican death trinity of Day of the Dead, Catrina Calavera (Skeleton Dame), and Santa Muerte (Saint Death) engage millions of South and North Americans in rituals that reconnect us with our own mortality. Leaving aside the jack-o-lanterns and trick or treating of our own childhood … Continue reading Mexico’s Trinity of Death: Santa Muerte, Day of the Dead and Calavera Catrina, An Illustrated Overview
El Culto de la Santa Muerte – Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut on Interfaith Voices
Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut was recently featured on Interfaith Voices, a leading public radio news program, to discuss La Nina Bonita, and give some insight into the deeper relevance of this feverishly contested faith tradition. From the show's description: "Drug traffickers and police, maligned women and any who feel death may be imminent: those who venerate … Continue reading El Culto de la Santa Muerte – Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut on Interfaith Voices
Short Documentary on Santa Muerte from MonsterTV
As devotional traditions surrounding Santa Muerte continue to evolve, it is fascinating to see what aspects emerge from both sympathetic and oppositional accounts in the media. A recent documentary short from MonsterTV, a media collective based out of Mexico City, provides a good view of how La Nina Bonita's strong roots in the realm of … Continue reading Short Documentary on Santa Muerte from MonsterTV
Leader of the Templo de la Santa Muerte de Tultitlán Assaulted
As a way to coordinate outside of official and orthodox channels, Santa Muerte has become a central social driver for many living in northern Mexico. Her altars, shrines and chapels have become meeting places where core community issues can be worked out and a tentative neutrality can be reached between otherwise contentious groups and individuals. Rising, … Continue reading Leader of the Templo de la Santa Muerte de Tultitlán Assaulted
SANTA MUERTE: THE NEW SAINT IN TOWN An interview with Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut
(This interview was orginally published at the World Religion and Spirituality Forum, part of the World Religion and Spirituality Project at Virginia Commonwealth University) Dr. Chesnut, welcome to the World Religions and Spirituality Forum. WRSP: Reading about Santa Muerte in the media suggests that this devotionalism has just burst upon the scene. In your work … Continue reading SANTA MUERTE: THE NEW SAINT IN TOWN An interview with Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut
Santa Muerte on Invisible College Radio!
Independent researcher David Metcalfe recently appeared on the second episode of Invisible College Radio to discuss the growing popularity of Santa Muerte in the Americas with the show's host, Austin Gandy. The conversation covers some of the common misconceptions regarding the devotional tradition, Santa Muerte's magical aspects, and touches on a more nuanced understanding of … Continue reading Santa Muerte on Invisible College Radio!
Dr. Chesnut talks Santa Muerte on Santa Fe Radio Cafe
The Santa Fe Radio Cafe recently featured Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut, Chair of Catholic Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, in conversation with host Mary-Charlotte.
A Mother’s Love and a Soldier’s Devotion – Santisima Muerte in Perspective
(Originally published at ModernMythology.Net) When you stare into the empty eyes of La Nina Blanca do you feel the resonant warmth of a mother's love? It's there, if you look deep enough, at least for those who pay her true devotion. Even those coming from a more objective distance can't help but notice the prevalence … Continue reading A Mother’s Love and a Soldier’s Devotion – Santisima Muerte in Perspective
Death to Santa Muerte: The Vatican vs. the Skeleton Saint
It was the declaration of Santa Muerte as an enemy of the Mexican state by former president Felipe Calderon that first sparked my interest in the skeletal folk saint. Identifying Santa Muerte as a "narco-saint" responsible for protecting certain drug cartels, the Calderon administration ordered the army to bulldoze some 40 shrines along the U.S.-Mexican … Continue reading Death to Santa Muerte: The Vatican vs. the Skeleton Saint
Most Holy Death 