For months, I had planned to visit the shrine known as Niño Jesús, located in Isnotu in the state of Trujillo, Venezuela.
However, due to various circumstances beyond our control, our trip was delayed. It is one thing what we want and another what God allows. We were late in arriving, but in the end, we made it.
This trip took place over a weekend and was a special opportunity for the family to enjoy the scenery and refresh our spirituality by opening our hearts, meditating in such a beautiful place and giving thanks for everything.
It is one of the most outstanding cultural heritage sites in Venezuela and is internationally recognised, as it was the birthplace of our doctor of the poor, the prestigious Dr. José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros.
Upon arriving in Isnotu, we can see in the distance the entire infrastructure of the Sanctuary surrounded by black railings, whose silhouettes at the top, precisely at the entrance, resemble Doctor José Gregorio, together with his cycle on earth.
Isnotu is a village with a well-preserved colonial architectural style and restored streets with concrete pavements and a temperate climate.
It is a popular tourist destination, with local commerce thriving alongside street vendors offering prints, crucifixes, rosaries, medals, and other items related to Dr. Isnotu and the entire heavenly court.
Upon entering, the first thing we see is the oldest silhouette I can remember, made of marble, inside a small colonial house, whose walls and pillars are covered with plaques in honour of the doctor for the favours granted. At the same time, we appreciate his faithful believers, opening their hearts to the Saint and explaining the infinite cases that overwhelm us, with their minutes of silence and touching his image with infinite faith, without neglecting the souvenir photo.
Inside the enclosure, we find two huge candelabras where we can choose where to place our intentions, either on a small candle or a large candle, according to the budget of each faithful devotee.
The site exudes an enormous sense of peace, surrounded by countless plaques of different sizes and colours in every corner in honour of each miracle granted. There is a lot of history behind it, and there is a small chapel in the middle, built in a modern colonial style. Most of the site is open air, with a concrete floor.
Faith moves mountains, and the proof of this is each plaque on display, evidence of the miracles granted over decades.
This is the fourth time I have visited this site, this time in the company of my family, who are my greatest treasure. This outing is special because it is my son's introduction to my heavenly saint. Unforgettable moments.
Inside, we can see several awnings around the railings of the façade, where, with the permission of the cultural team that works there, we can sit down to share a snack that is a must in these places, where laughter, hugs and anecdotes strengthen family ties.
Every corner has a story, and with the help of those responsible for its maintenance, they have been able to add to it step by step, not only structurally but also historically. It has a museum where we can see most of the objects that Dr. handled, under both physical and digital surveillance. The cost is £2 per person, except for children under 6, with no limit on the length of stay.
The tour lasted three hours, enjoying the beauty that lies there. We were happy to spend a different kind of weekend, fulfilling what our hearts desire.
Every sunrise is a promise of life. No matter what happened yesterday, today the sun rises again. Today we can start over, today hope shines again.
I hope you visit and drain any storm that occupies your hearts.
See you another time.
I used Canva and the free Deepl translator as my language is Spanish.
