The Lord of Luren Church before it was destroyed in the recent earthquake

Lima, Peru, Aug 17, 2007 / 11:20 am (CNA).- Peruvians are calling it a miracle that despite the massive destruction to the Shine of Luren—located in the province of Ica--in the August 15 earthquake in Peru, the huge crucifix venerated for centuries by Peruvians was unscathed.

The image of the Crucified Christ, which has been venerated in the city of Ica since the 16th century, suffered no damage even though half of the shrine was destroyed by the 8.0 magnitude quake that shook the Peruvian coastline and took the lives of more than 600, leaving thousands wounded.

Officials said the shrine suffered severe damage and that there may still be victims buried beneath the rubble, as the church was almost full when the earthquake struck during a Mass for the Feast of the Assumption.

The Shrine of Luren, which dates to the 16th century, has been destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions due to earthquakes and fires.  However, the famous image of the Crucified Christ has always remained intact.

The pastor of the shrine has left the lectionary that was used during the Mass open in an accessible part of the church, as rescue workers dig to find more victims.

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