Undocumented Saints

Spanning a historical period of over a hundred years, this study demonstrates how crucial religiosity is for cross cultural identity and cultural practices. Weaving a discussion of folk Catholic religious practices with themes of sexuality, gender, and violence, Undocumented Saints does what good folklore always does, reflect on the folk and folk practices with respect and serious attention to the myriad realities found in the community. * Norma E. Cant´u, Norine R. and T. Frank Murchison Distinguished Professor of the Humanities, Trinity University * In this brilliant and beautiful book, William A. Calvo-Quir´os shows how for more than a century the miracles of migrant survival, subsistence, resistance, and affirmation have been fueled by the veneration of vernacular saints, most of whom remain not canonized by the Church. In the midst of exploitation, criminalization, and demonization, narratives about and appeals to Jesùs Malverde, Juan Soldado, Olga Camacho, Toribio Romo, and La Santa Muerte have enabled migrants to envision a future beyond oppression. The specific case studies in this book evoke a larger truth: that as people migrate, faith accompanies them, and becomes transformed in the process. * George Lipsitz, Author of The Possessive Investment in Whiteness * Through the storied figures of Jesus Malverde, Juan Soldado, Toribio Romo and La Santa Muerte, William Calvo-Quir´os tracks popular religiosity as a force in the Mexican migrant experience. The message on vernacular saints is clear : don't leave home without them. A rich and often riveting account that belongs in any conversation on transborder mexicanidad. * Mary Louise Pratt, Author of Planetary Longings *