Religion, specifically Catholicism, plays a major role in the culture of New Mexico. It is evident in the presence of numerous churches no matter how small a town is, the religious relics sold in boutiques, and the manner in which places are named. This strong influence goes back to the Spanish missionaries who came to the land in the 1500s.
The
miraculous cross of SANCTUARIO DE CHIMAYO
Sanctuario de Chimayo is found north of Santa Fe on the way to Taos.
It is said that Friar Abeyta, a monk that first stumbled upon the place, influenced the modern legacy of Chimayo. He was in the hills near the Santa Cruz River involved in the practice of penance of self-flagellation when he noticed a light coming from the nearby ground. Digging with his bloodied hands, he uncovered an old wooden cross carved with the image of "Our Lord of Esquipulas", the Black Christ renowned throughout Guatemala. He took the cross back to the nearby Church at Santa Cruz, but was amazed to find it missing the following morning. To his disbelief, he found the cross back in the hole from which he had recovered it. This happened several times, until finally, he petitioned the Catholic hierarchy to build a Chapel at the site of the buried cross -- now known as Chimayo.
Soon the Chapel was built. When the good Friar was bed-ridden and seriously ill, he requested to visit the Chapel one more time before he died. Making the short trip on foot, he spotted the figure of the Black Christ standing at the doorway. When he came close to it, the apparition vanished. He fell to the ground but felt his strength return. He was cured and fully recovered. This may have been the first "miracle at Chimayo, but certainly not the last. Today, pilgrims from all over the world come to this place, hopeful for a miracle.
THE MIRACULOUS STAIRCASE OF THE LORETTO CHAPEL
The Loretto Chapel has been a Santa Fe landmark for over a century. Itl is best known for its unusual spiral staircase leading to the choir loft. Notice in the photo (bottom left) that the spiral staircase is unsupported.
The chapel (right photo) was originally built for a Catholic girls' school. When the chapel was constructed, it lacked access to the choir loft. Legend has it that a carpenter mysteriously appeared, constructed the unusual stairway, and disappeared before he could be paid for the work. It is said that he is "The Carpenter."
The girls' school was closed in the 1970s and the property was sold. The new owners arranged with the Church for the chapel to become a museum. The present day inn (bottom right photo) is constructed on the school site.
St. Francis Church in downtown Santa Fe, right across from the La Fonda Inn, is known for its architecture that is not typically an adobe structure but looks more European. (Mouse over the image to reveal another photo.)
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