The following is from the book: Santa Fe by Compass Guide
In the 1700's, there was a Tewa-speaking pueblo in this valley. According to Indian legend, a pool here, perhaps a hot spring, held water or mud with healing properties.
The present Santuario de Chimayo may have inherited that site, Archaeologically interesting remnants have been found here and some historical accounts have the chapel's interior smelling of an 'earthen dampness,' rather than dry earth and dust.
More mystery swirls about the chapel's origins. On the night of Good Friday in 1810, says another legend, a Chimayo settler named Bernardo Abeyta was performing the customary penances of the Society of Penitentes when he saw a bright light shining from a hole in the ground near the Santa Cruz River. (It runs right by the chapel.) He walked over and picked up a crucifix of the Black Christ, similar to that in the Cathedral of Esquipulas in Guatemala-a shrine 2k miles away that was believed to have miraculous powers.
As the story goes, the crucifix was taken to the church in nearby Santa Cruz, but would not remain there. Twice it returned-of its own accord-to the place where it had been found.
Abeyta got the message: he petitioned the priest in charge of New Mexico missions for permission to build a private shrine on the site. Completed in 1816, the Santuario remained in the family until 1929, when it was turned over to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Just one more tidbit ... 10k people do a pilgrimage to this site during Easter, 300k people visit the church annually.
There was a restriction on taking pictures in the church. I took this from a postcard.
There are so many visitors that there is a restaurant on the premises. I just loved the peppers.
The flowers around the church were beautiful. Notice, there are multiple flowers growing on a stem, they were just beautiful.
The flowers around the church were beautiful. Notice, there are multiple flowers growing on a stem, they were just beautiful.
2 comments:
You have reminded me of my visit to Chimayo and the shrine a few years ago. Did you know about the fence petitions? People tuck crosses made of anything (sticks, straws, plastic cutlery, twisted paper) into the chain link fence around the property, which contain prayers, requests, petitions. Whether or not you are a believer in organized, dogmatic religion doesn't matter...this simple display of faith and folk belief is very moving...seems much more sincere and close to the Source..
I had a Brain Tumor at the age of 41. I took the pilgrimage to Chimayo with my Family. I brought back the Healing Dirt and passed some of it out to my Family & Friends who have been Ill. It not only helped me through 2 Major Brain Surgeries and 2 Breast Surgeries and a Total Knee Replacement Surgery. It continues to help me today. This was the best thing I have ever done in my life. The Trip was so Rewarding I have never experienced the feeling I felt in the Prayer Park with the The fence petitions, People tuck crosses made of anything into the chain link fence around the property, which contain prayers. I suggest this trip for anyone who is Ill, or just having problems.
Post a Comment