Leader of Mexican folk saint cult ‘La Santa Muerte’ killed at altar with skeletal figure – Brandon Sun

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The local leader of the Mexican folk saint cult “La Santa Muerte” was shot to death late Friday at the altar where the skeletal figure stood, authorities said.

Authorities stated that two more people died and eight people were injured in the attack in Leon, Guanajuato state.

The saint, whose name roughly translates to “Holy Death,” is often worshiped by convicts, drug addicts and criminals, as well as other people who feel excluded or have difficulties in life.

The saint, who is not recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, is often depicted as a female skeleton and is thought to protect her followers from death.

But that didn’t work for “La Madrina Chayo,” a woman considered the leader of the cult in the north-central state of Guanajuato.

Prosecutors did not give her real name in accordance with Mexican law, but the alias “La Madrina Chayo” was used by a healer also known as “Chayito.”

She, another woman and a boy were shot and killed Friday as they prepared for the annual Santa Muerte celebration.

No information has yet been given about the condition of the eight people, including two children, who were injured in the armed attack on the altar on the street corner.

Like the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday, Santa Muerte is honored on November 1 and 2.

Roman Catholic leaders in Mexico have condemned the god’s connection to violence and the illegal drug trade.

Dressed in a black nun’s robe and holding a scythe in one hand, Santa Muerte appeals to people seeking otherworldly help of all kinds: from warding off wrongs and revenge to preventing lovers from cheating and finding better jobs. Others seek his protection for drug shipments and protection from law enforcement.

Although the cult sounds sinister, the annual celebrations honoring Santa Muerte are friendly affairs where people warmly greet fellow worshipers and offer them small gifts.

For years, Guanajuato has had the most murders of any state in Mexico due to ongoing turf wars between rival drug cartels.