A touching moment of a 6-year-old Peruvian boy kneeling and praying on an empty street for an end to the global pandemic has warmed the hearts of thousands. A neighbor caught the little boy’s touching act of faith on camera and shared it on social media.
Claudia Alejandra Mora Abanto captured the now-viral photo on Junín Street in Guadalupe, Peru, and shared it on social media from the boy and his parents’ permission. In the captivating image, the child’s sincerity is laid bare as he kneels with palms pressed together, his eyes squeezed shut in concentration, and a surgical mask on his face.
“I tell you the story of this photo I took a few hours ago,” Abanto began. “Today in the neighborhood we come together to pray and ask God for the emergency situation we are experiencing, so as to share hope and faith.”
The photographer asked the little boy why he was praying, and the boy revealed that he had “asked God alone for a wish.” He had walked out onto the street to escape the noise inside his home, fearing his wish would not be heard above the ruckus.
“I was left with a smile on my face,” said Abanto, “but above all delighted to witness the love and trust of that child to God. How beautiful that is instilled in them, even in difficult times. May faith never die.”
On March 15, Peru went on lockdown under the instruction of President Martín Vizcarra due to the rising number of cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. A curfew and travel ban was placed, with immediate effect, the very same evening at midnight.
“I am asking that no one leave,” the little boy told the Peruvian news outlet, “many great people are dying with this disease.”
The boy’s father, Abraham Castañeda Malca, said that he and his entire family, who are devout Catholics, were nonetheless surprised by Zelada’s sincere devotion. He said, “[I]imagine with so many things that are happening in this world; the pandemic and seeing so many people dying...”
“My son is a little boy of six years and I didn’t think [he] was going to react like this,” Malca continued, “it has been surprising for all of us.”
Zelada, his father, and their tight-knit Junín Street neighbors organize a chain of prayer every single night at 8 p.m., hoping and praying collectively for an end to the global pandemic.