«Apareció un niño hermosísimo en la hostia». Identity and Devotion Surrounding the Eucharistic Miracle of Eten (Peru, 1649)

Retamozo D.C.; Galdos I.M. · Hipogrifo (2026) · DOI: 10.13035/h.2026.14.01.28

Resumen

This work on the cult of the Niño del Milagro (Miracle Child) is set within the context of 17th-century viceregal religiosity in Eten, in northern Peru. The main aim is to investigate the historical origins of this cult. Emphasis is placed on the role of the Eucharistic Miracle and the actors who participated in its emergence, dissemination and continuation are identified. Through the analysis and transcription of primary sources from the San Francisco de Lima Archive, the testimonies of ecclesiastical authorities and indigenous inhabitants are brought to light. Thus, the miraculous apparitions of the Child Jesus —which occurred on the eve of the Corpus Christi celebration in 1649— became a collective devotion of an indigenous people, and their cult continues to develop as part of their identity. Its importance lies in being the first Eucharistic miracle recognised by the Catholic Church in Peru.

Instituciones: Universidad del Pacífico