The Sanctuary of Chimayo
This adobe sanctuary, often referred to as the "Lourdes of America," attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world seeking healing, solace, and spiritual renewal. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century when a miraculous crucifix was reportedly unearthed at the site, leading to the construction of the chapel.
Sanctuary of Chimayo
In the early 19th century, nineteen families lived in what was then called El Potrero de Chimayó (potrero means pasture). The land where the Santuario now stands belonged to Don Bernardo Abeyta, one of the first members of Los Hermanos de la Fraternidad Piadosa de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (the Penitentes) in the area.
Bernardo Abeyta built a small chapel to the Christ of Esquipulas on the present site around 1810. On November 15, 1813, he wrote to Father Sebastián Álvarez, the parish priest of Santa Cruz de la Cañada, asking him to write to the Episcopal See of Durango for permission to build a bigger church in which the people of El Potrero could worship Jesus as he appeared at Esquipulas and could hear Mass. The next day, Fr. Álvarez wrote the letter, mentioning that cures were reported, and many pilgrims were arriving. On February 8, 1814, Francisco Fernández Valentín, Vicar General of the Diocese of Durango, wrote back with permission. By 1816 the chapel was replaced by the present church.
El Santuario de Chimayó was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
The Spanish influence on El Santuario de Chimayó is evident in its architecture, rituals, and religious practices. The chapel's adobe construction reflects the traditional building techniques brought by Spanish settlers to the region, blending seamlessly with the landscape and mirroring the architectural style of colonial New Mexico. Inside the sanctuary, Spanish colonial religious art adorns the walls, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints, serving as a visual testament to the enduring legacy of Spanish Catholicism in the area.
Interior of the Sanctuary
The spiritual practices observed at El Santuario de Chimayó also bear the imprint of Spanish influence. The pilgrimage to Chimayó, known as the "Camino de Chimayó," echoes the centuries-old tradition of Spanish Catholic pilgrimages to sacred sites. Pilgrims journey on foot, often for miles, seeking spiritual purification, healing, and blessings. Along the route, they reflect on their faith and offer prayers, carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Furthermore, the Spanish language remains integral to the religious experience at El Santuario de Chimayó. Masses and devotional services are conducted in Spanish, preserving the linguistic heritage of the region's early Spanish settlers, and fostering a sense of cultural continuity. The use of Spanish language and customs serves to deepen the connection between worshipers and their religious heritage, reinforcing the sanctuary's role as a cultural and spiritual anchor in the community.
