Undocumented Saints: The Politics of Migrating Devotions

Undocumented Saints explores the migration of popular saints from Mexico into the US, examining how Latinx battles for survival are performed in the worlds of faith, religiosity, and the imaginary. It also tracks the emergence of inter-religious states and transnational ethnic and cultural enclaves unified by faith.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Undocumented Saints delves into the captivating journey of popular saints from Mexico to the United States, exploring the profound transformation of their meanings as they navigate the complexities of migration. This thought-provoking book uncovers the intricate ways in which Latinx individuals engage in battles for survival within the realms of faith, religiosity, and the imaginary, all while being shaped by the socio-political realities of exploitation and racial segregation. It also traces the emergence of inter-religious states and transnational ethnic and cultural enclaves unified by faith.

The book takes a closer look at five vernacular saints that have emerged in Mexico and have made their way into the hearts of Americans in the past century:

Jesús Malverde, a legendary bandido who was transformed into a saint-caudillo, symbolizing courage and justice.

Santa Olguita, a rising feminist saint who is closely associated with the experiences of border women, particularly those who have faced sexual violence.

Juan Soldado, a murder-rapist soldier who has now become a patron for undocumented immigrants, and is the primary suspect in the tragic death of an eight-year-old victim known as Santa Olguita.

Toribio Romo, a Catholic priest whose ghost/spirit has been aiding people in crossing the border into the United States since the 1990s, offering them solace and guidance.

La Santa Muerte, a controversial personification of death who holds a special place in the hearts of LGBTQ migrants, providing them with strength and support during their arduous journeys.

In each chapter, the book contextualizes a particular popular saint within broader discourses about the construction of masculinity and the state, the long history of violence against Latina and migrant women, female erasure from history, discrimination against non-normative sexualities, and the significant investments made by both the United States and Mexico in controlling religiosity within the discourse of immigration.

Through its insightful analysis, Undocumented Saints sheds light on the complex interplay between faith, culture, and social justice, offering a profound understanding of the experiences and struggles of Latinx individuals in the United States. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of religious studies and provides valuable insights into the lives and legacies of these remarkable saints.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197630235