top of page
Image by Simon Berger

Perspective

To Chimayo on foot

Updated: Feb 1

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!

Photo by Abby Dellasega
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most Popular

Official Priest and Deacon Appointments: Mar. 21, 2025

Archdiocese of Denver

'What should I give up for Lent?': 10 Creative Ideas for a Season of Unexpected Growth

Marie San Jose

Everything you need to know about incorruptibility

Catholic News Agency

How Can I Bring the Liturgical Calendar to Life in My Family’s Daily Routine?

Allison Auth

Advertisement

Advertisement

bottom of page