The Protection of Cristo Rey
Produced and translated by Samantha Guzman
Above the city up 1800 stair steps, stands Cristo Rey, a large white statue of Jesus Christ, the iconic monument of Tenancingo. Here Don Erasmo lives with his family of six in extreme poverty literally at the feet of his savior.
Featured photos
Don Erasmo by Sacrovir Avila
Sacrovir photographed Don Erasmo and his daily routine. Click on the image to see the slideshow.
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- The Cristo Rey statue is a few miles above the city.
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- Don Erasmo walks down the pathway that leads to the statue. Cristo Rey is one of the major attractions of Tenangino. Many tourists visit the statue daily.
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- Don Eramso speaks to his wife as they sit outside their home.
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- Don Erasmo has other tasks including dealing with the danger surrounding the site. With the $500 he receives for maintaining the statue, Don Erasmo sells water and fruits to visiting tourists because he only makes $500 a month for maintaining the statue. The city owes him two months worth of his salary.
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- Don Eramso removes the pavement around his home because it is infested with fire ants.
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- Don Erasmo sits with his son, Gerardo. Now Don Erasmo is fearful he will be kicked out of his house because of a dispute he was with the local authorities.
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- Don Erasmo sits outside his home tries to go over the letters he received form the local government. Don Erasmo never finished school and never learned to read and write.
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- Don Erasmo’s wife, Humbierta, hold hers granddaughter Bety as she falls asleep in her arms.
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- Storm clouds roll into Tenancingo and above the Cristo Rey statue.
Featured narrative
A Test of Faith by Karen Dávila
Karen wrote a narrative about Don Erasmo. Read more…