Statue of a 'peregrino' (pilgrim) provisioned both physically and spiritually for the journey on foot to El Santuario. This includes a representation of a Chimayo wool vest in honor of the weavers of Chimayo. Around the pilgrim's neck is a sea shell. The sea shell, used as a water cup, is a traditional symbol of a pilgrim. It is also the symbol found on depictions of Santo Niño de Atocha, who is normally represented wearing pilgrim's garb. Many of the pilgrimages made to El Santuario are done in honor of El Santo Niño.
The statue made from Cantera stone, quarried in southern Mexico.
Inscription(s)
"Peregrinos, el Señor nos invita
a su Santuario de Amor"
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.
from the hymn Peregrinos a Chimayo
Annotation
This statue in honor of the many hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who have visited El Santuario over the years was dedicated by Most Reverend Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe, during the Good Friday prayer and blessing on 2 April 2010.
Artist
Gilbert Martinez,
American sculptor at Santa Fe, co-owner of Terra Bella Artful Interiors.
