The chapel was founded after a series of events. In the 19th century, the owner of the property Don Bernardo Abeyta was praying in the hills when he saw something strange. According to Borhyegi (p.2) the owner together with others during their prayers saw a shining object on the mountains from which they found a crucifix, famously known as the miraculous cross of Our Lord of Esquipulas. A priest tried to take the crucifix to Santa Cruz, but it disappeared only to be found back in its original location on three separate occasions. The reappearance of the cross in Chimayo only asserted that the Crucifix was meant to stay at that place. Don Bernardo Abeyta established a minor chapel on the current site in 1810. In 1813, Bernardo Abeyta wrote to the bishop of Durango through parish priest Santa Cruz seeking permission from the bishop to construct a larger church that would be used for prayer and worship by the residents of El Potrero. Vicar General of the Diocese of Durango wrote back providing permission for the churches’ construction. According to Borhyegi (p.2) the church was fully constructed by 1816.
People visit Chimayo for various reasons but specifically to receive the divine powers associated with the Chimayo hole from which the crucifix was placed. Chimayo is an area that has been embodied by sanctity. Close to half a million people visit the shrine every year. People from all over the world gather at the shrine to seek peace for the universe as well as personal divine peace with the creator. Additionally, individuals strive to be united with Christ thus mystic and experience the healing power of the God.
Santuario de Chimayo is considered the most important pilgrimage among Catholics in the United States. Spiritual solace can be derived from a visit to the shrine. Divine powers of the earth in the shrine have seen people visit the place in their multitudes as the sacred powers of the earth have elevated the status of the shrine to one that is considered as a principal place of spiritual pilgrimage. Spiritual solace is important due to its healing powers and the number of visitors in the area. The shrine is also considered a National Historic Landmark, therefore, a source of National Heritage. The historical significance of the place is upheld by the tiny shrine built on site and the “El Pocito,” pit of holy dirt. Cultural heritage is also maintained by the Santuario de Chimayo that is home to various cultural events held every year by the inhabitants of the area especially during the holy week; the area is also a place of thanksgiving and prayer.
Pilgrimages are journeys that are undertaken to various locations for the goals of revering the area while seeking supernatural aid to be able to carry out specific religious obligations. Pilgrimages have been existent for centuries and involve seeking divine intervention from one's supernatural being. Undertaking in a pilgrimage requires great devotion where one is intertwined with his/her divine being. Pilgrimage provides one with the ability to free the spirit and induce intuitive thoughts in an individual. Spiritual growth, penance and devotion can be attained from pilgrimage journeys and liberates one from personal misconceptions uniting one with the divine being.
El Santuario de Chimayo is a place that provides hope and peace to pilgrims that visit the area. The shrine is an area of great importance to the Christian community as the therapeutic powers of the shrine have changed the lives of many. The significance of the shrine will continue into the foreseeable future as individuals seek divinity with the Supreme Being.
References.
De Borhegyi, Stephan Francis, and Elizabeth Boyd. El Santuario de Chimayo. Ancient City Pr, 1982.
