Chimayo, New Mexico, one of the world’s most serene places, who’s soil is believed to hold healing properties. The site along the Santa Cruz river has documented evidence of over 30 prehistoric settlements. The protected environment in a local valley with a year-round water source has made it an attractive place for farming and ranching.
Alongside its agrarian history, this site has been associated with healing for centuries. Bernardo Abeyta, one of the first members of Los Hermanos de la Fraternidad Piadosa de Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (the Penitentes) in the area, 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 Canada, 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.
For a full history of the Chapel, the area’s history as a site of spiritual and physical healing, and archeological significance, check out this wonderful site: https://newmexiconomad.com/santuario-de-chimayo/
Today the Sanctuario is a National Historic Landmark – part of the US National Park Service Conservancy Group.
Services are held daily with Mass on Sunday. Treat this sacred site with the respect it deserves.
Over a quarter million visitors travel to the Sanctuario annually. If you head out to Chimayo during Holy Week, you might see a pilgrim or two on the road carrying the weight of their sins in the form of a cross.
A small number of gift shops sell Catholic ceremonial items, bibles, and local wares. The Chimayo Chili is outstanding and can be purchased both ground and dried and in varying degrees of heat. The distinctive musky aroma and flavor highlights meats, chiles, and just about anything you’d put dried red chili in. Be warned – it’s New Mexico and hot means, “burn your eyeballs out of your head!”
An easy 30 mile drive from Santa Fe, Chimayo is worth an afternoon drive, or a stop on the High Road to Taos. Stop for a solid meal at Rancho de Chimayo. Make sure to top off your meal with some local sopaipillas. Enjoy!