On the way to the 2025 Jubilee called by Pope Francis, the Episcopal Commission for Youth and Laity of Peru and the National Youth Ministry of Peru have presented to the Peruvian Friends of Luce: Suyana, Pepe and Xareni. These characters, full of symbolism, accompany Peruvian pilgrims, representing the cultural, spiritual and natural wealth of Peru.
Ambassadors of hope and unity
Suyana
Whose name means “hope” in Quechua, he embodies the faith and resilience of the Andean people, with his traditional clothing and his inseparable flame, a symbol of connection with creation. “Suyana invites young people to strengthen their hope and faith, recognizing that in their cultural and spiritual roots they will find the strength to overcome life’s trials,” explains the youth ministry of Peru.
Features and Symbology:
Mestizo and chacana figure in the eyes: It represents the fusion of indigenous and European cultures, symbolizing unity in diversity. The chacana, an Andean cross that adorns her gaze, expresses the bridge between the earthly and the divine.
Outfit: A combination of traditional Andean fabrics and bright colors that tell stories of faith and connection with divine creation.
Flame companion: This animal, a symbol of life in the Andes, remembers the value of caring for nature as part of God’s plan.
Pepe
Inspired by the festivities of northern Peru, he transmits joy and resilience with his embroidered outfit and his faithful hairless Peruvian dog. Through Pepe we want “young people to discover the importance of celebrating life and faith with joy, embracing traditions as a path towards unity and modernity.”
Features and Symbology:
- Attire: He wears a white poncho embroidered with details of northern dances and traditions. Her hat evokes the elegance and celebration of the sailor.
- Peruvian hairless dog: His faithful companion symbolizes loyalty and strength, and is a bridge between ancient traditions and the present.
- Chacana in the eyes: This detail connects it with the universal spirituality of Peru, remembering the unity in cultural diversity.
Xareni
For its part, Xareniambassador of the Amazon rainforest, reflects the biodiversity and spirituality of indigenous communities, accompanied by the cock of the rock. “Xareni invites young people to contemplate the greatness of divine creation, inspiring them to care for nature and live in harmony with others.”
Features and Symbology:
- Outfit: Inspired by the Kené art of the Shipibo-Konibo people, it symbolizes harmony and the connection of man with the Creator.
- Cock of the rocks: This national bird, your companion, is a reminder of the richness of divine creation and the responsibility of caring for it.
- Chacana in the eyes: It unites Amazonian spirituality with the other regions of Peru, emphasizing that faith is a bridge between cultures.
A message that transcends borders
These characters represent the universal values that enrich Christian spirituality. According to Daniel Ramos, communications coordinator of the Episcopal Commission for Youth and Laity of Peru, the project seeks for young people to rediscover their cultural and spiritual roots, showing that there is strength in diversity: “We want young people to rediscover the immense value of our cultural and spiritual roots. Our strength lies in our diversity, and from that unique identity as Peruvians, we want to share our faith with the world.”.
Likewise, Stiven Mego, head of communications for the Latin American and Caribbean PJ, highlighted the invitation to other countries to create characters that reflect their culture, fostering a spirit of unity: “Suyana, Pepe and Xareni show us that faith transcends borders. Our local traditions, full of life and meaning, are bridges to a message of hope that we can all share.”.
A path to the Jubilee
Jubilee 2025 will be a global gathering to celebrate faith, hope and Christian unity. Through the Peruvian Friends of Luce, Peru provides a unique testimony by integrating its cultural identity with the evangelizing mission.
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