"If you are a stranger, if you are weary from the struggles in life, whether you have a handicap, whether you have a broken heart, follow the long mountain road, find a home in Chimayó."

So reads a poem displayed on the walls of Chimayó's Santuario. Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the village of Chimayó may seem far off the beaten track. In fact, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way each year to the tiny church, sometimes called the Lourdes of America. Many make the long trek on foot each year during Holy Week, starting from Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque--even Old Mexico. They come carrying heavy wooden crosses and walking sticks, pushing baby carriages and wheelchairs. They come seeking miracles of healing from the church and its little well of sacred red dirt found in a room off to the side of the altar. They bring small bags or vials and take a spoonful of dirt home with them. Some rub the dirt on the part of the body that needs healing. Others take it home to place on an altar. Those who have been healed often make a second pilgrimage to the Santuario to give thanks, leaving behind their crutches, braces, and prayers of thanks, which fill another side room.

Pilgrimage to Chimayo on Good Friday, 2010

My husband carried several of my rosaries 30 miles from Santa Fe to Chimayo' on his Pilgrimage this year to be placed in the Holy Dirt.

After Nambe' Turn

Christ mosiac in Chimayo'

St. Francis mosiac on the grounds at Chimayo'

El Santuario de Chimayo ~ Beautiful~

Summer 2009

Just a few of the Rosaries left behind by pilgrims.

Chimayo

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe.
It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

interior of St. Francis Basilica

The Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi was officially elevated to a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on October 4, 2005, becoming the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Inside the Basilica

La Conquistadora Chapel
In 1626, Fray Alonso Benavides brought Our Lady of the Rosary to Santa Fe. The chapel was built at that time for the statue. During the Pueblo Revolt, the statue was removed, but returned in 1693 during the peaceful return of hte Spanish settlers. She was renamed La Conquistadora in honor of the peaceful manner inwhich it was belived she entered the hearts of the natives.[2] Behind the statue is a reredos, a mural style from Spain, depicting various saints. During a recent (2000-2009) restoration, an older painting was found.[2] On the left are the coffins of two early Franciscan Priests. The chapel is a 'contributing property' in the Santa Fe Historic District.

Amazing Crucifix!

Easter Vigil Mass 2010
Do you see what I see?

Thanks to Robert (a friend I met this Easter) for borrowing my camera and capturing this image. He had a friend entering the Church. 25 photos in all were taken. This one made me stop and look again. My family and I sat less than 8 feet from where this image was taken, which happens to be over the Baptismal font.
We should all be more mindful of who might be next to us in Mass, whom we don't see.

2010 Santa Fe