The Risen Jesus Christ In Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta.

In the heart of El Pitillal, one of Puerto Vallarta's most beloved neighborhoods, stands the majestic Temple of San Miguel Arcángel. This church is a symbol of faith, community unity, and tradition for the locals. But within its walls, an enigmatic image holds a story that few know: the Risen Jesus Christ who guards the main altar, whose true identity hides a fascinating secret.

The Origins of the Temple of San Miguel Arcángel

The history of the temple began in 1946, when a group of ten residents of El Pitillal, along with the then-parish priest Rafael Parra Castillo, elected Saint Michael the Archangel as the patron saint of the place. The community, driven by faith and devotion, dreamed of having a worthy space to worship and celebrate their religious traditions. It wasn't until January 24, 1977, that the first stone of the temple was laid in a moving ceremony presided over by the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Tepic, Monsignor Adolfo Suárez Rivera. The construction, the result of years of effort and community collaboration, concluded on September 20, 1989, under the direction of master builder J. Isabel Meza Sendiz.

The Arrival of the Risen Jesus Christ

It wasn't long after the inauguration that the temple received one of its most iconic pieces: the image of the Risen Jesus Christ. This monumental sculpture arrived on February 15, 1992, carved in wood by renowned sculptor Juan José Méndez, originally from Santa Anita, Jalisco.

The image impresses anyone who beholds it: it measures 4.92 meters in height and weighs approximately 980 kilograms. Located on the main altar, it represents Jesus triumphant after his resurrection, with one hand raised and a profound gaze that seems to penetrate the souls of the faithful.

The Best Kept Secret: An Archangel Transformed into Christ

However, the story behind this sculpture is even more surprising. Oral tradition in Pitillal tells us that the figure was actually conceived as a representation of Saint Michael the Archangel himself. It was a work intended to show the victorious archangel, subduing Lucifer with his spear in hand, as is traditional in sacred art.

For reasons that are still discussed among long-standing parishioners, the sculpture was not completed as planned. At that time, the priest in charge made an unexpected decision: to transform the image of the archangel into the figure of the Risen Jesus Christ. Thus, the original project was adapted, preserving certain features that still arouse the curiosity of those who observe the sculpture closely.

A Gaze That Commands Respect

The image's raised hand, originally intended to hold Saint Michael's lance, and its strong gaze directed downward, as if judging or instilling fear in whoever looks upon it, are clear clues to its origin. Although today it is venerated as the Risen Christ, some devotees claim to feel the powerful energy of a celestial warrior when standing before it.

This detail gives the temple of Saint Michael the Archangel in El Pitillal a unique character. It is not only a place of profound devotion and prayer, but also of legend and mystery, where faith blends with history to create a symbol that continues to astonish generations.

Beyond the Myth

Over the years, this image has witnessed countless masses, patron saint festivals, and celebrations that reinforce the sense of community in El Pitillal. Every September 29th, on the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel, residents remember the spirit of struggle and protection symbolized by their patron saint, even though the figure that presides over the main altar is that of the Risen Jesus.

Ultimately, whether it's Christ or the Archangel Michael, the image has become an emblem of faith for the residents of El Pitillal. Further proof that, in Puerto Vallarta, the most amazing stories are born from the simple people and their traditions, and that behind every church are stories worth telling.

Visit the Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel and see the incredible sculpture with a myth behind it—you'll love it.