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Celebrate the season of renewal in the
City of Holy Faith
Santa Fe - Followers of religious faith flock to Santa Fe each
year to celebrate the season of renewal. The area is culturally rich
religious history provides a wealth of spiritually uplifting services
including; performances, old churches and even a pilgrimage.
Each year during Holy Week, beginning on Thursday, thousands of people
make the pilgrimages to the Santuario de Chimayo, also known as the
"Lourdes of America," forty miles north of Santa Fe. The Shrine was
built between l8l4 and l8l6. Tradition speaks of miracles from light
coming forth from a nearby hill to disappearing crucifixes.
Regardless
of your faith, the quaint little sanctuary and shrine are definitely
worth the trip, a peace-filled environment tucked away in the foothills
of the Sangre de Cristos.
The pilgrims usually walk in the evening of
Thursday and the day of Good Friday. Those seeking the refuse of the
tiny adobe church each have their own vows and sentiment, but all will
agree it is worth the trip, leaving with a tiny bit of holy dirt to
bless them through the coming year.
If you decide to make the trek this
year be sure to have lots of fresh water, flashlights and jackets.
Located in Chimayo, Visiting Hours are October - April: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM,and June - September: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Weekly Mass is June -
September: 11:00 AM Daily, and October - May: 7:00 AM. Sunday Mass is
12:00 Noon
While in Santa Fe, even if you do not attend service, be sure to see the
Cathedral Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, built by French archbishop
Jean-Baptiste Lamy in 1869. The architectural design, stained glass, and
intricate details are of immense detail and beauty. You will also see
the statues of St. Francis of Assisi and the La Conquistadora (our Lady
of Peace) while at the church, as well as Kateri Tekakwitha, 1656-1680,
the first Indian of North America to be promoted to a saint.
Other activities in the area include Corn Dances at the Santo Domingo
Pueblo and an Easter Saturday Train Easter egg hunt with the Easter
Bunny, Saturday 3/26/05 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM with the Santa Fe Southern
Railway. For more information visit
www.sfsr.com
For sunrise services reflecting the beauty of the Santa Fe mountains,
check local churches for times and locations. Accommodations can be made
in Santa Fe through directory listings at Guidebook America
www.guidebookamerica.com. Many hotels feature a lovely Easter
buffet, and some even offer a serene view of the rising sun. Santa Fe’s
numerous parks provide the perfect spot to await the Easter bunny.
However you choose to celebrate the season of renewal this year, do so
in the City of Holy Faith.
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View from Fort Marcy Park above the City of holy Faith -
Santa Fe
Cathedral Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
Kateri Tekakwitha
Details from the Cathedral door
Hotel Loretta - Santa Fe, New Mexico |
