For Katherine Córdova, the reason for coming was simple: love.
The woman from Cusco shared her devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary while attending Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with the faithful and representatives of the Amazon people at Saqsaywaman in Cusco, Peru, on November 15.
“Today I’ve come out of love,” Katherine said in an interview conducted at the gathering by EWTN News’ Francis Rocca. “Above all, it’s my love for God that has brought me here.”
Her gratitude also overflowed toward Our Blessed Mother, whom she affectionately called “Mamá Inmaculada” or Mother Immaculate. She broke down and her voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears.
“I thank Mary Immaculate for the many miracles she has worked in my life,” she said. “She is my Immaculate Mother. I love her very much.”
A Mother’s Love That Leads Her Closer to God
Katherine’s testimony connected her love for Mary with a deepening relationship with God.
“I’ve grown closer to God,” she said.
For Katherine, her folkloric Coyacha dance from Cusco was a way to express thanksgiving and to honor the Virgin Mary for the goodness she has experienced in her life.
“I dedicate my dance to her in gratitude for all the blessings she has given me,” she explained.
Katherine identified the dance as coming from Acomayo, describing the province as “humble,” yet “full of love for our Immaculate Mother and for God.”
Her testimony echoed a theme of Pope Leo’s message at the gathering:
traditional expressions of devotion can give voice to a community’s living faith. Speaking at Saqsaywaman, the Holy Father described how music, dance, images, and religious celebrations express the faith of families, their love for Christ, and their devotion to Mary and the saints.