To Chimayo on foot

The missionaries at Christ in the City did a sponsored pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in North America, and actually has roots in a miraculous devotion from Spain. You can read the full history here.

The missionaries did a sponsored pilgrimage and prayed for their donors every mile of the 50-mile journey! It looks like they had a great time!

The missionaries of Christ in the City took part in the tradition of walking to Chimayo during the Easter season. This tradition began when US soldiers prayed to Santo Niño (one of the figures associated with Chimayo) during the Bataan Death March. Photo by Abby Dellasega.

When the soldiers returned home after the war, they began to make Easter pilgrimages to  Shrine of Santa Niño de Atocha, which is within walking distance of El Santuario de Chimayo. According to some estimates, tens of thousands of people now make this journey every year. Photo by Abby Dellasega.

The Christ in the City missionaries walked from Taos, NM to Chimayo, encountering quite a bit of mud along the way. One missionary improvised bread bags into water-proof clothing. Photo by Abby Dellasega.

The other figure important to Chimayo’s story is  “Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas”. Legend states that a friar was doing penance when he saw a bright light coming from a nearby hill. He investigted, and found a crucifix. He tried to move the crucifix three times, but each time it ended up back in the hill. Eventually, the people decided the crucifix wanted to stay in Chimayo and built a small chapel for it. Photo by Abby Dellasega.

The Christ in the City missionaries prayed for their donors throughout their pilgrimage. They came back to Denver April 18. Photo by Abby Dellasega.