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Photographer Robert Lisak and Prof. Jaime Lara of Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music visited the town of San Pedro Andahuaylillas, Peru, during Holy Week 2008 to chronicle the rituals and celebration that take place at the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” a 17th century Jesuit church. Over the centuries, Andahuaylillas has maintained aspects of the medieval and Tridentine piety that were once typical of all of Latin America. These rituals are most evident during Holy Week when the old practices, piety, and music come to the fore.

Professor Lara has narrated a slide show of images from his trip for America. You can view the slide show here.

The  exhibit “The Flowering Cross: Holy Week in an Andean Village” runs at the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale Divinity School through April 24.

Michael O’Loughlin

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