Wednesday, November 13, is 39 years since the tragedy that shocked the world: the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, which destroyed the town of Armero, in the Department of Tolima, leaving no less than thirty thousand dead.
One of the most visible and memorable faces of this disaster is that of 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez, the minor whose feet were buried in the mud and rubble of her home for over sixty hours.and during that time she managed to remain calm, and the rescue organizations worked to try to free her in vain. Omayra lost her fight for her life.
Years later, the place where she was buried is a meeting point for believers, who attribute some miracles to her for praying to her, and bringing her flowers to keep her in the memory of many Colombians and people around the world who received information about. what happened to her was recorded by several reporters who were in the country.
Over the years, testimonies have been collected from people who claim that if they attend Omayra’s tomb, most miracles happen within a period of three days.
One of the most visible and remembered faces of this disaster is 13-year-old Omayra Sánchez, the minor whose feet were buried in the mud and rubble of her home for over sixty hours – credit Luisa Gonzalez/ReutersOne of the most relevant testimonies related to the minor is that a child in a wheelchair came to the tombstone to ask for the miracle of walking again, and two years later he was able to regain his independence to move around.
Eugenia is a woman diagnosed with cancer who declares that after making a request to Sánchez she decided to postpone an operation necessary for her state of health, that it could have effects if she wanted to conceive. He says that after praying devoutly and returning for medical check-ups, it was confirmed that there was no trace of the tumor.
The faith that was placed in the girl’s soul is so great that even Gauls traveled to the place to make their requests. FRancisca is a woman of Chilean nationality who, after losing faith in surgical intervention, decided to commit to Omayra. Three days later, the medical institution contacted her to approve the procedure.
The place where she was buried is a meeting point for believers, who attribute several miracles to her for praying to her, and to keep her flowers in memory of many Colombians – credit AFP PHOTO/El Espectador“I knew it was the little girl Omayra who intervened on behalf of God to help me. That’s why I ran to church to give thanks. I hope to visit her in Colombia one day,” was the testimony given by the foreigner A weekwho recalled that in 1985 she was almost the same age as the youngest person who is remembered to this day.
The Armando Armero Foundation, led by Francisco González, worked tirelessly to find these children separated from their families during the tragedy, and many of them were taken to other countries without knowing their roots.. This effort is part of a wider fight to rebuild not only the houses, but also the historical memory of the town.
Armero was destroyed on November 13, 1985 when Nevado del Ruíz erupted – credit ColprensaThe loss of loved ones and homes was only the beginning of a long battle for survival. The rebuilding of the town was a slow and, in many cases, ineffective process. Promises to relocate survivors to new areas were not fully fulfilled, and many displaced people were living in precarious conditions in other cities.
The Foundation’s work is vital to preserving the town’s heritage. The organization is committed to keeping Armero’s name alive, almost erased from the maps after the tragedy. This effort seeks not only to reunite families, but also to ensure that Armero’s story is not lost in time.
How does the phenomenon of pilgrimage at Omayra Sánchez’s grave reflect broader cultural beliefs in miracles and spirituality?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special feature on the enduring legacy of Omayra Sánchez, a young girl whose tragic story has become a symbol of hope for many. Today, we have with us Dr. Mariana Flores, a cultural anthropologist and expert in the field of collective memory and spirituality. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Flores.
Dr. Mariana Flores: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a poignant topic that resonates deeply in Colombian society and beyond.
Time.news Editor: Omayra’s story has captivated many since the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. Can you explain why her story has had such a lasting impact on people’s faith and spirituality, both locally and internationally?
Dr. Mariana Flores: Certainly. The tragedy of Omayra Sánchez, a mere child caught in a catastrophic event, evokes a powerful emotional response. Her story represents not only the horrors of that disaster but also the resilience and hope of those she touched. Over the years, the site of her burial has transformed into a pilgrimage site where people seek miracles through her intercession. This phenomenon can be attributed to the cultural significance of innocence lost in disasters, which often leads to a strong identification with the victim.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned pilgrimage and miracles. Could you elaborate on the testimonies people have shared regarding their experiences at her tomb?
Dr. Mariana Flores: Of course. Numerous accounts have emerged from individuals claiming miraculous healings and answered prayers after visiting her grave. For example, there’s the story of a child in a wheelchair who prayed for the ability to walk and later regained his independence. Such testimonies reinforce the belief that Omayra acts as an intercessor, connecting the faithful with a divine power. These occurrences foster a community of believers who share their experiences, further solidifying Omayra’s legacy.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how personal stories can create a collective narrative. How do you see the role of Omayra’s memory evolving in the future?
Dr. Mariana Flores: I believe her memory will continue to grow as an emblem of hope and resilience, especially as new generations learn about her story. Pilgrimage sites often carry their own stories that evolve with cultural shifts. As long as there are people seeking solace and miracles, Omayra’s spirit will remain alive. Furthermore, her story could inspire new interpretations in art and literature, broadening the understanding of spirituality in contemporary contexts.
Time.news Editor: It’s quite powerful to think that a single story can transcend time and inspire many. Do you see any potential challenges for those who honor her memory?
Dr. Mariana Flores: Yes, there are challenges. As interest in spirituality and miracles can sometimes lead to commercialization or sensationalism, it’s vital to remember the somber origins of her story. It’s crucial that the narrative remains respectful and rooted in the reality of the tragedy. Balancing veneration with historical accuracy will be a key challenge moving forward.
Time.news Editor: what do you think is the most important lesson people can learn from Omayra’s life and legacy?
Dr. Mariana Flores: The most profound lesson is the power of hope, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Omayra’s story teaches us about the human capacity for resilience and the importance of community support in times of crisis. It’s a reminder that even in tragedy, we can find ways to connect, heal, and uplift one another through shared faith and compassion.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Flores, for your insights on such a significant topic. Your expertise truly enriches our understanding of Omayra Sánchez’s legacy and its impact on collective spiritual practices.
Dr. Mariana Flores: Thank you for having me. It’s been an honor to discuss this important subject.