Lessons in Creating Sanctuary
from Chimayo, New Mexico
One of the literal shrines that inspired my idea for Shrine of the Real was El Sanctuario de Chimayo, a Catholic shrine in northern New Mexico. I visited in 2017 and again in 2019, and have carried the shimmering peace and hope of this place with me ever since. A small vial of its holy dirt still sits on my desk.
There are several stories of how the shrine in Chimayo came to be, why pilgrims are compelled to go there. All the versions offer wisdom about what makes a sanctuary. These are some of the lessons I am pondering now…
The soundtrack for this essay includes traditional religious folk music of New Mexico.
“Come pilgrims, from the four corners of the earth, the Lord has invited us to walk to his shrine of love in Chimayo.
Here we will find the holy dirt that strengthens us and purifies the faith that takes away our pain.”
~ A hand-hammered tin sign at Chimayo
If you’d like to read the text of the essay, “Sanctuary: Lessons from Chimayo”, download the PDF~
~The music for this post includes songs sung by Los Penitentes, traditional groups of pious, ascetic laymen who formed in the absence of parish priests in northern New Mexico. The Penitentes are particularly associated with Chimayo. These recordings, “Madre de Dolores” and “Pito Melody,” were captured by Smithsonian/Folkways, on the album Music of New Mexico: Hispanic Traditions (SF 40409) and are used with permission. Additional music “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” provided by License through SoundofPicture.com, and “Quiet” from audionautix.com.
Special thanks to the Story’s, for giving me the occasion to compose these reflections on sanctuary! You can find them on Substack, here and here.
Chimayo is one of my most beloved and sacred places. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with us.
Thank you for this, Nicole. The High Road to Taos is a favorite pilgrimage for me and Jerry. Holiness, indeed, is felt without effort at all there. The timbre and cadence of your voice are soothing and impelling. I will definitely resubscribe for these gems.