The sanctuary of the Gauchito Gil — Mercedes

OVERVIEW

The Gauchito Gil is a folk religious figure inspired by Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez (c. 1847–1878), whose existence is not reliably documented. He is the most prominent folk saint in Argentina, with sanctuaries also in Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Spain. His main sanctuary, about 8 km from Mercedes in Corrientes, stands at the alleged site of his execution.

HISTORY

The legends differ: a gaucho who fled after a quarrel over a woman; a deserter from the War of the Triple Alliance told in a dream not to kill; a Federalist who refused to fight for the Unitarians. All agree he became an outlaw who stole from the rich for the poor, was caught on 8 January 1878 and was hanged upside down from an espinillo tree to have his throat cut, telling his executioner that his son was ill and would live if he prayed to Gil. Until the late twentieth century the devotion was rural and local; in the 1990s it grew fast among the urban working class of Greater Buenos Aires.

REPORTED ACTIVITY

The sanctuary's empty mausoleum is covered with some 50,000 plaques giving thanks for miracles; beside it stands the tree where he was hanged. Offerings are candles, red ribbons and flags, cigarettes and drink. The Church does not recognise him as a saint, but the Diocese of Goya has recognised the devotion, and as Archbishop of Buenos Aires the future Pope Francis supported publishing a novena to the Cruz Gil.

VISITING

The sanctuary grounds cover about 5 hectares, lined with stalls.