Agua Ramon, Colorado Morada de San Jose |
The Morada de San Jose is located in the village of Agua Ramon near South Fork, Colorado. Although the number of men belonging to the morada (the Hermanos) and the women's auxiliary (the Paduanas) continues to decline, the membership makes up for it in spirit. The morada is neatly maintained and during the month of September the Penitente community celebrates the Day of our Lady of Sorrows which has been attended by the Diocese of Pueblo, CO, Bishop Arthur Tafoya. Priests, Deacons, and Hermanos from the moradas in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico join worshipers and curious onlookers alike for the procession and fine meals supplied and served by attendees. My wife, Joan, and I were invited to meet with the Hermanos and to visit their morada by Alfred Medina, a local supporter of the morada and the Hemanos. Hermano Mayor, Edward Vigil and Hermano Jose Sisneros gave us a tour of the Agua Ramon church, La Mision de San Jose, the Morada de San Jose, and the cemetery which was close by. After eating lunch with the Hermanos we bid them farewell, a fitting end to a memorable day with the Hermandad and other new-found friends. Many thanks to Larry and Libby Ruybal from Pueblo, CO, for their photos of the procession and gathering during the celebration of Our Lady of Sorrows. |
La Morada de San Jose and the Our Lady of Sorrows procession |
Hermano Jose Sisneros and Hermano Mayor Edward Vigil walking towards the Morada de San Jose |
Entrance to the altar room from the main hall of the morada. The Hermanos receive their meals in this hall during Holy Week and other occassions |
Hermano Mayor Edward Vigil, on the left, and Hermano Jose Sisneros stand before the altar adorned with symbolic Calvarios (Arma Christis) a candleabraum, and several santos |
Hermano Jose Sisneros lights candles on the morada altar. Hermano Mayor Edward Vigil invited those of us touring the morada to join him and Hermano Jose to kneel and join him in prayer before we left the morada |
Santos on display during the Our Lady of Sorrows day |
El Calvario (Arma Christi) near the morada |
Hermanos from northern New Mexico and southern Colorado join in the procession going to El Calvario and then back to the morada. Hermanos recite their prayers and sing their alabados (hymns) during the procession which culminates with a service by Bishop Arthur Tafoya |
Bishop Tafoya kisses the Cross as other participants make their way to the Calvario. |
A Paduana kisses the cross as the other priests and particpants take part in the ritual |