32nd anniversary of the Confraternity of the Virgin of Perpetual Help in Piura
The main celebration of the 32nd anniversary was the Eucharist celebrated on March 10th at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Piura, presided over by Father Hector Zegarra CSsR, of the Redemptorist community of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, with the presence of the entire community of faithful in the area.
Under the protective mantle of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Confraternity of Piura celebrates 32 years of a history born from faith and silent service. Its roots go back to the 20th century with the Circle of Jesus the Worker (1960s), a group of men inspired by Father Luis Baldo Riva CSsR (later auxiliary bishop of Trujillo -1969- and then prelate of Chuquibamba -1977-) to serve the Church from his Sanctuary.
The year 1994 marked a turning point in their identity: under the guidance of Father José Ignacio Alemany, CSsR. (current Bishop Emeritus of Chachapoyas), these men were consecrated to the Virgin, thus giving birth to the Knights of the Virgin. Since then, they have proudly worn the blue habit and red cape—colors that honor the sacred icon—assuming the mission of guarding the religious services, preparing the processional float, and accompanying Our Lady with devotion through the streets of the city.
Over time, the community opened its doors to women. In 2018, the Sahumadoras (incense bearers) emerged, women who, with the aroma of incense, prepare the way for the Virgin. This integration led to its current name: the Confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Help of Piura. Today, its 30 members keep the flame of evangelization and prayer alive, walking together toward the glory of God under the constant guidance of Our Mother.
Last year, we prepared for and participated in the Jubilee of Confraternity, Societies, and Confraternities of the Archdiocese of Piura and Tumbes. The Redemptorist Fathers undertook the restoration of the processional image, and as a Confraternity, we were able to present Our Mother with her processional platform for internal and external transfers, enriching our institutional heritage. This year, in communion with our Archbishop’s call to evangelize from within our communities, we are planning, in addition to pilgrimages with the image of Our Mother to schools, hospitals, informal settlements, and chapels, to create opportunities for missionary work, seeking to bring the message of redemption closer to people, faithful to the Redemptorist charism that embraces us.
Gonzalo García,
President of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
(More on the history of the brotherhood at: The Knights of Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Scala News )
