A Place of Miracles
It has been said that the discarded canes,
braces, wheelchairs, and messages of thanksgiving that hang from the
adobe walls in the prayer room are proof of the miracles of Chimayo.
Still, while many people have left their crutches and walked away
cured, the Church has never sought to officially confirm or deny any of
the miracles.
It has also been said that the dirt in the
“pocito” replenishes itself. Yet it is common knowledge
that the dirt is brought in from surrounding hillsides and, though
blessed by a priest, has no special power in and of itself.
What, then, should we make of these miracles? Do
they really happen, or are they just imagined?
A small booklet published by the Sons of the Holy
Family (caretakers of the Santuario) states; “Many written testimonies of favors granted have
been received at the Shrine... Maybe (they) will help increase the
faith (of) others, not in the mud of Chimayo... but in the love of God.
A man from California wrote, 'It didn’t cure me, but then
it’s God’s will.'"
Many people come to Chimayo in search of
miracles; some find them, some don’t. But they all share a love
of God and believe that no matter what they have been told, God can and
does work miracles. When he walked on the water, Jesus taught us that
faith is a prerequisite to miracles, and he promised his disciples that
wondrous things could be accomplished as long as their faith
didn’t falter. Sometimes, however, the miracle is not the one
that cures our tormented bodies; sometimes the miracle is faith itself.
Let our faith be strong in us
that we might help to strengthen others.
Walk with us, O Lord,
as we walk with you.
Margaret M. Nava
