The Lord of St. Romanus
In Maya, Akil means “place of vines”, according to Dr. Alfredo Barrera Vásquez. It is a municipality in the south of the state, 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Merida.
The origins of the town are pre-hispanic, when it formed part of the lordship of Tutul Xiu.
In the mid-16th century it was repopulated and established as an Indian village, under the religious management of the friars of the Monastery of St. Francis in Oxkutzcab, which was founded in 1581, according to Diego López Cogolludo in his History of Yucatan.
During the Caste War, Akil was the site of a major battle fought by the rebel leader Jacinto Pat.
Among the historical and architectural attractions which the town boasts is the parish church of St. Agnes, a Roman martyr from the early 4th century, whose patronal feast is celebrated on the 21st of January. The Catalogue of Religious Buildings in the State of Yucatan mentions that the exact year when the church was constructed is not known, but its architectural features place it in the 16th century.
The interior of St. Agnes’ church houses various works of sacred art of great historical, artistic and religious value. Among them is the side altarpiece dedicated to the Holy Christ of St. Romanus, which is the focus of especial reverence in the town.
It is a group of sculptures and paintings that can be iconographically categorized as a Calvary, since it show the Crucifixion of Christ, with oil paintings on wooden boards of the Virgin Mary and the Disciple John to either side. The decoration of the altarpiece dates it to the 18th century, and seems to be the work of local artists.
On the other hand, the Christ of St. Romanus is of fine artistic quality. The face of the victim bears a lovely, serene expression, while the sculpture is remarkable for its realism and drama, with detailed depiction of the veins in Christ’s arms, and the wounds on his knees.
The Cross from which the lifeless body of the Messiah hangs is made of turned beams, like helicoidal columns, painted green. The articulated arms of the figure betray its original use for the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week, especially during the Easter services, and the Holy Burial procession.
This jewel of Yucatecan sacred art is displayed for the veneration and benefit of the public during the hours of services in St. Agnes’ church.
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