Elian: A miracle child?

Elian, pictured with his mother who drowned in the Florida Straits

By religious affairs correspondent Jane Little

In Miami many Cuban-Americans are seeing the events surrounding Elian Gonzalez in religious terms.

People have claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary as they prayed for the boy

The largely Catholic population has attributed miracles to the boy, while in a clear allusion to Easter, crosses have been paraded outside the home of his relatives.

The dramatic turn of events in the early hours of Easter Saturday were for many devout Cuban-Americans merely further proof of the divine mission of Elian.

A priest blesses Elian in Miami

Some are even claiming that the boy has been crucified in this ordeal; in a none-too subtle comparision to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

One controversial photograph showed Elian against a climbing frame, arms outstretched a la Jesus on the cross, which was published with the caption; The Passion of Elian.

But while some consider this blasphemous, locally, Elian has been viewed throughout this saga as some kind of saviour.

Elian touches a picture showing how he survived the Florida Straits

Almost from the moments he emerged seemingly unscathed from the sea that took the life of his mother, Elian has been elevated to the status of miracle child.

A mural on the side of the Miami house depicts his deliverance, while people have claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary as they prayed for the boy.

Meanwhile some Cuban exiles who practise the African-influenced religion of Santeria, have also read events in prophetic terms.

They believe Fidel Castro intends to destroy this boy because he believes Elian is the catalyst who will bring his government down.