Chimayo - Good Friday

Wayne and Holly told us about a remarkable event that occurs every year during Holy Week. Here's the history if you're interested.

The remote and rustic town of Chimayo was settled in 1680 by the Spanish and, of course, the dirt street (still today) town centered around the chapel. In 1810 a miracle took place, a light bursting from the hillside where a crucifix was unearthed and despite being removed numerous times, always reappeared in the excavated hole. And so a small chapel was built on the site. The sacred earth is believed to have healing powers and each year during Holy Week tens of thousands make a pilgrimage to Chimayo and take away a bit of the sacred dirt. Pilgrims walk a few yards or hundreds of miles and the walk to the sacristy is hung with discarded crutches and pictures of before-and-after photos as evidence of healing.

It was 25 miles Northwest of Santa Fe to Chimayo and we drove up Rte 285 into the Native American territory/pueblo country. There was a steady stream of pilgrims walking toward the shrine. They were 99% Spanish and of every shape, manner and form. Families pushing baby carriages, bikers covered with tattoos wearing gang colors, people in wheelchairs, many people carrying crosses, some for great distances, old people shuffling, young people being carried, low riders, tricycles, people on horseback and one blue van with a Thule on top from Maine.

We drove in the bumper to bumper traffic to within a couple miles to Chimayo, parked and joined the throng, an unique experience. Humble, faith filled people who found nothing remarkable about walking 25 miles through the desert to scoop holy dirt out of a hole. The dogs quickly tired in the heat and we ended up carrying them for much of the day, but, yet again, it was a blessing as we spent the day talking with people and interacting with kids who wanted to pet them. Unlikely that the gringos would have enjoyed much interaction otherwise.

Connie was invited to write some prayerful intentions on a cross that had been carried from California. We joined the long line and entered the shrine 2 hours later. Christianity so different from our experience and upbringing.

So Connie has a bag of Holy, healing earth for anyone who might want some. Just let us know if you'd like some and we'll drop some in the mail. Speaking of mail, we do have an address and Ryan and Kate make sure we receive it:

Connie & Glen Foss

243 State Street Apt 2L

Portland, ME 04101

Happy Easter all.