The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PROMISES

IF SOMEONE NEEDS AN ANSWER TO A SPECIAL INTENTION, THEY
OFTEN PROMISE GOD THAT IF THE INTENTION IS ANSWERED
THEY WILL MAKE A PILGRIMAGE TO THE CATHEDRAL IN MEXICO
CITY WHERE THE CAPE OF SAN JUAN IS. THE PEOPLE ENTER
THE CHURCH AND GO UP TO THE ALTAR ON THEIR KNEES, WITH
A CANDLE IN THEIR HANDS. THIS IS THE FULFILLMENT
OF THEIR PROMISE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER SHRINES
WHICH ARE USED AS PILGRIM SPOTS, SHE, HERSELF HAD TO WALK
TWENTY MILES TO A SHRINE IN FULFILLMENT OF A PROMISE
CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF A COUSIN.

Where learned: WESTERN YMCA

Date learned: 11-11-1971