Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
July 25, 2001
Colorado's oldest town turns 150
San Luis to celebrate birthday with parade, barbecue
By Margaret Struck
San Luis in Southern Colorado is 150 years old — it's the oldest town in the state. To celebrate, a full day of festivities will be held Sunday, July 29. Activities include a parade and barbecue for all. Theatine Father Patrick Valdez, pastor of 115-year-old Sangre de Cristo Parish, will be in the parade with his fellow townspeople.
The predominately Hispanic residents of San Luis have a deep sense of pride in their religion and heritage. The town is perhaps best known for the dramatic Stations of the Cross Shrine that attracts pilgrims from across the United States and beyond. Built on a hill, the shrine features nearly life-size bronze figures by renowned sculptor Huberto Maestas, a San Luis native whose foundry is located there.
In 1987, Father Valdez spearheaded the shrine project. Desiring a spiritual landscape, he, parishioners and Knights of Columbus developed the half-mile trail along which the Stations of the Cross were erected. The stations, which vividly illustrate the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ, end at the stunning La Capilla de Todos Los Santos (The Chapel of All Saints), a domed adobe church.
The shrine is located just across the street from Sangre de Cristo Church. The simple beauty of the parish church both inside and out is unforgettable. Daily Mass is celebrated at 7 a.m.
The parish includes eight other missions, which Father Valdez also tends to. Additionally, the pastor serves as provincial of the Southwest Theatine Province, which boasts 10 seminarians, four of which are in residence at Sangre de Cristo.
The pastor is currently working on a walking tour to honor 27 Mexican priests martyred in Mexico. Busts of all 27, who have been canonized, will flank the walk.
Stations of the Cross shrines in France, Spain and Canada don't offer the same sense of walking through Christ's deep suffering, nor do they capture the experience of sharing in the glory of the resurrection that one feels at the San Luis shrine. The profound peace and faith one has when the journey has been completed is impossible to put into words.
San Luis is an easy drive from Denver. Drive south to Walsenburg, then Fort Garland and the next stop is San Luis. The trip can be made in one day to visit the shrine, but an overnight stay adds much. Pilgrims can find lodging at El Convento, the parish-operated bed and breakfast, or at the local motel.
To contact Sangre de Cristo Parish, call 719-672-3685. To call El Convento, call 719-672-4223.
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