Olympic Sailor Stefano Peschiera, who won Peru's first Olympic medal in 32 years, expressed his gratitude for this achievement by carrying the float of the Lord of Miracles, one of the country's primary devotions, on his shoulders.
On Oct. 5, 2024, the image of the Lord of Miracles was processed for the first time this year. Thousands of faithful gathered in the streets of Lima, Peru to accompany Christ Crucified, a more than 300-year-old devotion.
Peschiera shared this moment on social media and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the procession.
Here's Peschiera's prayerful testimony:
"Approaching you gave me peace of mind, we developed a unique friendship. I asked you for very important things, and I told you that I would be willing to stick to your values. After all, these values make sense and are made in order to ensure friendship, respect, kindness, humility, and honest work.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to carry you, and to feel that energy that I felt when we achieved that achievement. Indescribable and special. I felt very grateful.
I will carry you a thousand times, Lord. Because this faith is mine, and no one can take it from me.
Today I feel fortunate to be able to say your prayer.
'Lord of Miracles, because I love you I have come to visit you, bless you, and thank you for so many favors that you have obtained for me.'"
This is not the first time Stefano Peschiera has publicly shown his Catholic faith.
After winning the bronze medal in the men's Dinghy competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the athlete shared images of the people who have accompanied him in the most special moments of his life.
Among them, a small altar stands out, where you can see a picture of the Lord of Miracles, an image of the Virgin Mary, and two rosaries, which have accompanied him in recent years.
In addition, upon arriving in Lima, he attended Mass at the historic Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas to thank God for this achievement.
📸Stefano Peschiera asistió a una misa celebrada en la iglesia Nazarenas, en el centro de Lima, para agradecer por la medalla de bronce que obtuvo en los Juegos Olímpicos de París 2024.
— Agencia Andina (@Agencia_Andina) August 14, 2024
▶️Mira la galería completa aquí: https://t.co/ChXJR9vkRA
📷Fotos: ANDINA/Eddy Ramos pic.twitter.com/Pe0G6oUbyN
Stefano Peschiera's post carrying the float of the Lord of Miracles went viral and he received many messages of support.
“In a world where few people are grateful, it is beautiful to see someone so simple and who always keeps God in mind. Never change, Stefano!"
“The Lord’s callings and ways are like this. Wonderful and unique. This journey with him has just begun. Welcome.”
“The Lord never leaves us alone. A very courageous testimony of faith and perseverance. 👏👏👏”
“What a blessing! May you always live under the protection of our Mother Mary and the grace of God.”