A Road Well Traveled......
the pilgrimage to the Santurio de Chimayo....yep, thousands of people walking towards one common place, the Santuario de Chimayo; a tiny church nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of Chimayo, New Mexico. Some refer to it as the Lourdes of America. The multitudes of people who make the pilgrimage each year come from miles around. Some from Santa Fe, some from Española, some from Peñasco, and
many from Albuquerque and even further. A large number of pilgrims carry crosses or other religious articles. Each year you see young and old alike; backpacks, waterbottles, rosaries and walking sticks on board. What makes them "do the walk" you say? FAITH... plain and simple as that. Their faith draws them to the well. Many can't understand the faith that these pilgrims have; it's almost like you have to live here to understand the pilgrimage to it's fullest. It's a cultural tradition that has gone on for centuries. Being at the Santuario during Holy Week is a very special privilege (if you can squeeze in there). The atmosphere is charged with Holiness and if you happen to see or speak to Father Roca, it's considered an extra special bonus. Who is Fat
her Roca you ask? Well he is considered by many to be the Santuario de Chimayo's "walking saint". He's a 90 year old priest who has dedicated his life so unselfishly to the people of Northern New Mexico for over 50 years of his ordained life. He is short in stature but larger than life to those who know and love him. He miraculously built two church parishes with no money and also restored the Santuario back to it's original grandeur; letting his faith guide him each day. He is a great example of what can be done with only faith. And what do the pilgrims find when they get to the Santuario you ask? They find PEACE....a peace like no other you have experienced. Oh, and they find dirt...yes, I said dirt; well, it's considered "Holy Dirt" by so many, and it's found in a little hole inside the tiny church. Many people believe the dirt at the Santuario is "miracle dirt"; something that can restore health, heal broken bones, hearts, and homes......but the TRUTH is really not in the dirt.....it's in the faith that people have. The Santuario holds a spiritual charisma that brings not only locals, but thousands of visitors yearly from all over the world searching for peace, tranquility and spiritual healing. So this year, with so many people expected to make the annual walk as a religious sacrifice, there is sure to be plenty of FAITH to go around! After the walk, everyone will go back home with a joyful heart and a feeling of having participated in something very special and very New Mexican! Have a Blessed and Happy Easter!
many from Albuquerque and even further. A large number of pilgrims carry crosses or other religious articles. Each year you see young and old alike; backpacks, waterbottles, rosaries and walking sticks on board. What makes them "do the walk" you say? FAITH... plain and simple as that. Their faith draws them to the well. Many can't understand the faith that these pilgrims have; it's almost like you have to live here to understand the pilgrimage to it's fullest. It's a cultural tradition that has gone on for centuries. Being at the Santuario during Holy Week is a very special privilege (if you can squeeze in there). The atmosphere is charged with Holiness and if you happen to see or speak to Father Roca, it's considered an extra special bonus. Who is Fat
her Roca you ask? Well he is considered by many to be the Santuario de Chimayo's "walking saint". He's a 90 year old priest who has dedicated his life so unselfishly to the people of Northern New Mexico for over 50 years of his ordained life. He is short in stature but larger than life to those who know and love him. He miraculously built two church parishes with no money and also restored the Santuario back to it's original grandeur; letting his faith guide him each day. He is a great example of what can be done with only faith. And what do the pilgrims find when they get to the Santuario you ask? They find PEACE....a peace like no other you have experienced. Oh, and they find dirt...yes, I said dirt; well, it's considered "Holy Dirt" by so many, and it's found in a little hole inside the tiny church. Many people believe the dirt at the Santuario is "miracle dirt"; something that can restore health, heal broken bones, hearts, and homes......but the TRUTH is really not in the dirt.....it's in the faith that people have. The Santuario holds a spiritual charisma that brings not only locals, but thousands of visitors yearly from all over the world searching for peace, tranquility and spiritual healing. So this year, with so many people expected to make the annual walk as a religious sacrifice, there is sure to be plenty of FAITH to go around! After the walk, everyone will go back home with a joyful heart and a feeling of having participated in something very special and very New Mexican! Have a Blessed and Happy Easter!
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