Godfather Tata Profile: Rev. Marco Candelaria
Rev. Marco Candelaria, known as LUWONGO, meaning "abuelo de prenda" or godfather of Foundation of Cauldrons within Palo Mayombe, holds the highest grade of the structure. He is also a registered minister in the state of New York. As his father and teacher stated, “We are born in fire and at the end will die in fire.” Palo Mayombe is the fire of transformation that will change your life.
Hailing from generations of practitioners in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, also known as “Barrio Candelaria,” Marco's family was a vibrant mix of Paleros, Santeros, and Espiritistas, with their influence extending into the Continental United States. This rich spiritual lineage exposed him to an array of esoteric philosophies and rituals, but none spoke to him more than Palo Mayombe.
Born and raised in New York, Marco recalls a happy childhood full of games and mischief. The bustling streets of his neighborhood were always alive with the sounds of children playing, laughter echoing through the air, and the aroma of home-cooked meals wafting from open windows. Marco's family, deeply rooted in their traditions, often held gatherings where stories of their ancestors were shared, and rituals were performed. These events fascinated young Marco, igniting a spark of curiosity and reverence for the spiritual practices that were part of his heritage.
Unexpectedly, in [insert year], his family decided to move back to Puerto Rico to start a better, simpler life. The decision was driven by a longing to reconnect with their roots and the desire for a slower pace of life away from the hustle and bustle of New York. By that time, Marco had forged a close relationship with his Godfather, a close friend of his father’s. His Godfather was not only a spiritual guide but also a mentor and a father figure who taught Marco the importance of discipline, respect, and the power of the spiritual world.
To Marco's surprise and complete disappointment, his brother was allowed to stay behind to be raised by his Godfather, while Marco was forced to uproot all he had ever known, as he was too young to stay. The change was a traumatic event. The move to Puerto Rico felt like an uprooting of everything familiar and dear to him. The vibrant streets of New York were replaced with the serene, yet unfamiliar, landscapes of Puerto Rico. The transition was challenging, filled with feelings of isolation and longing for the life he left behind.
Living in Puerto Rico, however, introduced Marco to a broader perspective on life and created the causes and conditions for him to follow his destiny. The lush greenery, the sound of the coquí at night, and the gentle breeze of the Caribbean Sea became his new environment. Puerto Rico, with its rich cultural tapestry and strong spiritual traditions, offered Marco a different kind of education—one that was deeply intertwined with nature and the spiritual world.
When he was 13, his father, Lucas Candelaria, took him to the “Fiesta De Oya,” also known as the “Fiesta De La Virgen de la Candelaria.” This annual celebration was a significant event, filled with vibrant colors, music, and a profound sense of community. On February 2, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, bonfires or “candelarias” are lit to burn anything useless in one's home and life. Marco was enamored by the acts of purification and devotion to his namesake, Our Lady of Candelaria, AKA Queen Of The Cemetery. The bonfires, candles, and beauty of the festival moved him tremendously. It was a night of spiritual awakening, where the flames of the bonfires seemed to ignite something deep within his soul.
At this feast, Marco met a little old man at the botanica store doing amazing things with his hands. The man sat Marco down and, at no cost, gave him his first reading. The atmosphere in the botanica was mystical, filled with the scent of herbs and the soft glow of candles. The old man, with eyes that seemed to see beyond the physical world, held Marco’s hands and peered into his future. He said Marco would work with legions of lost souls at a very large table, engage in spiritual warfare for most of his life, and that his enemies would tremble to the sound of his march. “Your prayers will be like the powerful sounds of trumpets so loud that the walls of your enemies will tremble and fall,” the man said. He also foretold that Marco would soon travel very far away to fulfill his destiny and calling.
Little did Marco know at the time, his brother was running the biggest house of Palo on the whole East Coast with his Godfather. After his reading and buying half the store, Marco left happy and confident that he would be reunited with his brother and Godfather soon. The prophecy filled him with hope and a renewed sense of purpose, easing the pain of his earlier displacement.
Six months later, the little old man’s prophecy came true. Marco's Godfather came to Puerto Rico to visit his father. He took one look at Marco and had a sit-down with his father to explain the reason Marco had painted a graveyard on his bedroom walls, which Marco thought looked nice, but his parents thought was a sign he was losing his mind. The images of tombstones and spirits were a manifestation of his deep connection to the spiritual world and his latent abilities that were yearning to be nurtured.
Marco's father decided, “This boy needs to go back home… this boy has a calling.” At that time, Marco was driving his father crazy, and his Godfather knew that Marco needed special care and attention to manifest his powers and special abilities. “If not,” his Godfather declared, “this boy is going to lose his mind!” Initially reluctant to let him go, Marco's parents realized that his path was not Santeria or Espiritismo—his path was Palo. The realization was bittersweet, filled with the pain of separation but also with the understanding that Marco was destined for something greater.
The year was 1980. Marco vividly remembers his Godfather taking his hand as he boarded the plane. He looked back to see his mother and father waving frantically and crying. Marco cried too—tears of joy. He couldn’t believe that he was finally headed back home with a man he respected and revered as a second father—a man graced with supernatural power and uncontested compassion. The journey back felt like a return to his true path, guided by the unseen forces that had always been a part of his life.
Shortly thereafter, at the age of 15, Marco's Godfather became his Padrino. For the past 40 years, Marco has reached the highest grade of the structure, LUWONGO, in 2021. His journey was not just about personal growth but also about becoming a beacon of knowledge and spiritual guidance for others. Marco's life story is a testament to the power of destiny, the importance of spiritual guidance, and the transformative power of Palo Mayombe.
Marco’s journey is filled with experiences that shaped his character and honed his abilities. He underwent rigorous training under his Godfather’s watchful eye, learning the intricacies of Palo Mayombe rituals, the significance of each symbol and tool, and the deep connection to the spiritual world. His training was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about building the resilience and strength needed to navigate the challenges of a spiritual leader.
Throughout his life, Marco has had numerous encounters with the spiritual world, each reinforcing his role as a Tata. His ability to communicate with spirits, perform powerful rituals, and guide others on their spiritual journeys has earned him a place of respect and reverence within the community. His teachings emphasize the importance of balance, respect for the spiritual world, and the transformative power of faith and dedication.
Marco’s work extends beyond rituals and spiritual guidance. He has been actively involved in community building, offering support and guidance to those in need. His efforts have helped many find their paths, overcome personal struggles, and connect with their spiritual heritage. Marco’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many through dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith.