Faith, curiosity bring Mexicans to lakeside town for Day of the Kings

Published: 2007-01-09

CAJITITLAN, Mexico (CNS) -- Salvador Alvarado, a Mexican from Guadalajara, broke his leg in three places while playing recreational soccer seven years ago. The former semiprofessional player feared he would never play again and might even lose his livelihood as a painter. After being off his feet for more than six months, he asked the "Santos Reyes" -- the holy kings, or Wise Men -- to intervene, and a family member came to Cajititlan, a lakeside town just south of Guadalajara whose patrons are the Magi, to ask for the same. A short time later, Alvarado made a complete recovery. "I had one operation and afterward it was as if nothing had happened," he explained, rolling up his pant leg to show a fading scar. "Everything went well so I came back to give thanks." Thousands of pilgrims like Alvarado converged on Cajititlan for its "Dia de los Reyes" (Day of the Kings) festivities in early January, giving thanks for past blessings and, in some cases, patiently asking for needed intervention. The feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, marking when the Wise Men visited Jesus, is celebrated each year Jan. 6, the day Mexicans end the Christmas season with family gatherings.

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