Juanita García Peraza
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Juanita Garcia Peraza, also known as "Mita" (June 24, 1897-February 21, 1970) was the founder of the first and only protestant religion of Puerto Rican origin.
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[edit] Early years
Peraza was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, and raised by her parents, who were evangelists. She was influenced by their strict religious beliefs, since childhood. When her family moved to Arecibo, Peraza became extremely ill. She made a promise to God that if she was cured, she would always serve him.[1]
Peraza considered it a "miracle" that she was cured of her illness and she decided to keep her promise. She was one of the first Puerto Rican women to preach religion in Puerto Rico. Soon, she became a leader in the church which she attended. This, however, made the majority of the male church members feel uncomfortable with her presence and they told her that she was no longer welcomed there.[2]
[edit] "Mita"
Peraza left the church with 11 other members who followed her. In 1940, Peraza and the others founded their own church in Hato Rey a sector of San Juan. They claimed that the "Spirit of Life" gave Peraza the new name of "Mita". They started calling themselves "Mitas" and their religion "the Mita religion". According to the Mita faith, Mita was the incarnation of the Holy Ghost on earth and Mita must pick a successor before she dies, in which god will eincarnate. [3]
Under Perazas' leadership, the church founded many small businesses which provided work, orientation and help for its members. The first branch of the church, outside of Puerto Rico, was established in New York City. Now, besides the United States, the church has expanded to Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Canada, Curaçao, Ecuador and Spain. [3]
[edit] Legacy
Juanita "Mita" Garcia Peraza died on February 21, 1970 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her adopted son, Teofilo Vargas Sein "Aaron" who had been picked by Peraza, is now, in accordance to the religions believe, the prophet of God and "Mita" is the new name of the Holy Spirit. Puerto Rico honored Peraza's memory by naming an elementary school after her in San Juan.[4]
