Rituals and Feasts for San Telmo: Worship and Devotion in Cavite Puerto and Elsewhere
摘要
By the study of the long answers to a set of questions in Consulta 82, this chapter brings to light new perspectives about the devotion and rituals associated with San Telmo, the patron saint of mariners, in the former town of Cavite Puerto. The outcome underscores the intimate connection between devotion to saints, ethnicities, and townscapes. Furthermore, the foregoing explains the prevalence of devotion to a select group of holy personages in specific areas, and their absence in others. This cult of images shows how seemingly disparate related areas like almsgiving, supplications, and the appointment of chaplaincies are interrelated to each other. Decrees, beatifications, and other ecclesiastical directives contribute to illustrate how rituals acquired their present form, leading to their deeper understanding by the laity. For example, the interference of the Spanish monarch, through the privilege of royal patronage, codifying Catholic devotions add complexity to the celebration in honor of the saints in ecclesiastical institutions throughout his domain.