Santeros believe that Orishas are supernatural beings emanating from Olofi, the creator god, and have the ability to control human forces and represent natural elements. Some key Orishas discussed are Obatalá associated with Our Lady of Mercy and father of creation; Orúnla the patron of priests equated with St. Francis; Yemaya patron of motherhood and seas; Oshún queen of love and rivers likened to Our Lady of Charity; Oyá queen of the dead equated with St. Theresa; and Changó the Orisha of virility likened to St. Barbara. Other important Orishas mentioned are Elegguá the guardian of doors associated with