July 25,
2001
This page was last edited on
10/03/2008
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 [in 2001] — 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.
