The town of Chimayó lies between Santa Fe and Taos. It’s a small place, with a population of 3177 people. Despite its size, Chimayó attracts tens of thousands of people each year, especially at Easter. They come to visit El Santuario de Chimayó, a beautiful, Spanish Colonial-style church. Keep reading to learn more about this unique healing power church in New Mexico:
Flickr/mookiefl These Catholic pilgrims and curious visitors aren’t just drawn here by gorgeous architecture or the tranquil setting.
They are here for the soil.
Flickr/Michael Martin Inside the church is a place known as “el Pocito.” There is a hole in the stone floor of this humble room that is filled with earth. Many believe this “tierra bendita,” or sacred earth, has curative properties.
Jenni Konrad/Flickr Those seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing gather the dirt and take it home. Some choose to rub it on an afflicted body part, while others simply keep it.
A caretaker refills the well, so there is always dirt available for visitors.
Flickr/bowie snodgrass On the way out, there is a collection of crutches - a testament to the healing many experience at this sacred place.
In fact, parallels are often drawn between Chimayó and the town of Lourdes in France.
Flickr/Paul Gorbould The Catholic church has neither endorsed nor rejected the idea that the earth here has curative abilities.
But the wall of photos and messages in the Santuario - prayers and expressions of thankfulness - demonstrate that many believe in the power of Chimayó.
Before the Spanish arrived, Native Americans living here also considered this area to be sacred.
Flickr/Julie So what’s the story behind the sacred earth?
A man named Bernardo Abeyta, a resident of Chimayó, was performing penances when he spied a light glowing in the hills. When he investigated, he realized that the light was coming from the ground itself. He began to dig and unearthed a crucifix.
Flickr/Dave Minkel The crucifix, known as Nuestro Señor de Esquipula, was conveyed to a nearby town. But the cross vanished, only to be located back in the hole where it was originally found.
The third time that this occurred, villagers decided that instead of moving the cross, they would construct a chapel over the hole.
There are some variations on this legend. One popular, alternative version of events credits the discovery of the crucifix to a friar performing penances.
Flickr/Lane B The first chapel was built in Chimayó in 1813 and the rumors of the miraculous cures occurring here began. By 1816, the church you see today was constructed, replacing the previous one.
Yelp/Logynn H. Throughout the year, but particularly at Easter, pilgrims walk from Santa Fe, or even farther away, to Chimayó. Some carry physical crucifixes, while others carry prayers in their hearts. All seem to agree that El Santuario de Chimayó is a special place.
Have you visited Chimayó? What did you think? You can learn more about this place and how to visit by visiting its official website.
Flickr/mookiefl
These Catholic pilgrims and curious visitors aren’t just drawn here by gorgeous architecture or the tranquil setting.
They are here for the soil.
Flickr/Michael Martin
Inside the church is a place known as “el Pocito.” There is a hole in the stone floor of this humble room that is filled with earth. Many believe this “tierra bendita,” or sacred earth, has curative properties.
Jenni Konrad/Flickr
Those seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing gather the dirt and take it home. Some choose to rub it on an afflicted body part, while others simply keep it.
A caretaker refills the well, so there is always dirt available for visitors.
Flickr/bowie snodgrass
On the way out, there is a collection of crutches - a testament to the healing many experience at this sacred place.
In fact, parallels are often drawn between Chimayó and the town of Lourdes in France.
Flickr/Paul Gorbould
The Catholic church has neither endorsed nor rejected the idea that the earth here has curative abilities.
But the wall of photos and messages in the Santuario - prayers and expressions of thankfulness - demonstrate that many believe in the power of Chimayó.
Before the Spanish arrived, Native Americans living here also considered this area to be sacred.
Flickr/Julie
So what’s the story behind the sacred earth?
A man named Bernardo Abeyta, a resident of Chimayó, was performing penances when he spied a light glowing in the hills. When he investigated, he realized that the light was coming from the ground itself. He began to dig and unearthed a crucifix.
Flickr/Dave Minkel
The crucifix, known as Nuestro Señor de Esquipula, was conveyed to a nearby town. But the cross vanished, only to be located back in the hole where it was originally found.
The third time that this occurred, villagers decided that instead of moving the cross, they would construct a chapel over the hole.
There are some variations on this legend. One popular, alternative version of events credits the discovery of the crucifix to a friar performing penances.
Flickr/Lane B
The first chapel was built in Chimayó in 1813 and the rumors of the miraculous cures occurring here began. By 1816, the church you see today was constructed, replacing the previous one.
Yelp/Logynn H.
Throughout the year, but particularly at Easter, pilgrims walk from Santa Fe, or even farther away, to Chimayó. Some carry physical crucifixes, while others carry prayers in their hearts. All seem to agree that El Santuario de Chimayó is a special place.
Check out more of New Mexico’s beautiful churches.
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Address: 15 Santuario Dr, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Healing Power Church In New Mexico April 10, 2020 Leah What are the most beautiful churches in New Mexico? While this might be one of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico, it is not the only beautiful church in the state. There are quite a few stunning churches all across the Land of Enchantment, such as the San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque. It was built in 1783 and stands tall and eyecatching with its 5-foot-thick adobe walls. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe is beautiful both outside and in. The stone structure has high arches and heavily decorated walls. What is the oldest church in New Mexico? Did you know that the oldest known church in the continental United States is located in New Mexico? The San Miguel Mission is a Spanish colonial church in New Mexico that has been standing since the early 1600s. It’s located in Santa Fe and still holds mass every Sunday. It served as a chapel for the Spanish soldiers during the reconquest in the 1700s and though it has been through some damage and repairs over the four hundred years it’s been around, the original adobe walls are still mostly intact. What are the most well known hot springs in New Mexico? If you’re looking for more natural healing powers in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with a dip in some natural hot springs. The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is located in the northern part of the state and it has four different types of mineral waters that are said to help all sorts of ailments, from digestive problems to arthritis. It’s one of the most well-known springs and resorts in the state, and it’s no wonder as to why. You can learn more about it by clicking here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Healing Power Church In New Mexico
April 10, 2020
Leah
What are the most beautiful churches in New Mexico? While this might be one of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico, it is not the only beautiful church in the state. There are quite a few stunning churches all across the Land of Enchantment, such as the San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque. It was built in 1783 and stands tall and eyecatching with its 5-foot-thick adobe walls. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe is beautiful both outside and in. The stone structure has high arches and heavily decorated walls. What is the oldest church in New Mexico? Did you know that the oldest known church in the continental United States is located in New Mexico? The San Miguel Mission is a Spanish colonial church in New Mexico that has been standing since the early 1600s. It’s located in Santa Fe and still holds mass every Sunday. It served as a chapel for the Spanish soldiers during the reconquest in the 1700s and though it has been through some damage and repairs over the four hundred years it’s been around, the original adobe walls are still mostly intact. What are the most well known hot springs in New Mexico? If you’re looking for more natural healing powers in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with a dip in some natural hot springs. The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is located in the northern part of the state and it has four different types of mineral waters that are said to help all sorts of ailments, from digestive problems to arthritis. It’s one of the most well-known springs and resorts in the state, and it’s no wonder as to why. You can learn more about it by clicking here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While this might be one of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico, it is not the only beautiful church in the state. There are quite a few stunning churches all across the Land of Enchantment, such as the San Felipe de Neri in Albuquerque. It was built in 1783 and stands tall and eyecatching with its 5-foot-thick adobe walls. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe is beautiful both outside and in. The stone structure has high arches and heavily decorated walls.
What is the oldest church in New Mexico?
Did you know that the oldest known church in the continental United States is located in New Mexico? The San Miguel Mission is a Spanish colonial church in New Mexico that has been standing since the early 1600s. It’s located in Santa Fe and still holds mass every Sunday. It served as a chapel for the Spanish soldiers during the reconquest in the 1700s and though it has been through some damage and repairs over the four hundred years it’s been around, the original adobe walls are still mostly intact.
What are the most well known hot springs in New Mexico?
If you’re looking for more natural healing powers in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with a dip in some natural hot springs. The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is located in the northern part of the state and it has four different types of mineral waters that are said to help all sorts of ailments, from digestive problems to arthritis. It’s one of the most well-known springs and resorts in the state, and it’s no wonder as to why. You can learn more about it by clicking here.
