Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal
SANTA FE – For the second year in a row, COVID-19 has put a halt to a Holy Week tradition for thousands of New Mexicans.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe announced Monday in a news release that it was canceling the annual pilgrimages to El Santuario de Chimayó or Tomé Hill, as well as other gatherings out of an abundance of caution during the pandemic and for safety concerns.
In addition, the archdiocese announced El Santuario de Chimayó will be closed from Thursday, April 1, to Monday, April 5, which includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The entire grounds, chapel and restrooms will be closed.
“It is the archdiocese’s hope the pilgrimages will resume full scale next year, but still want to do the utmost to protect life in this continuing – though attenuating – pandemic,” the archdiocese said.
The decision to cancel the pilgrimages was made by Archbishop John C. Wester in collaboration with the Rev. Julio Gonzales of Holy Family Church/Santuario de Chimayó “out of an abundance of caution due to the gravity of out current situation and concern for the safety of the pilgrims journeying to these sacred sites,” according to the release.
“It’s unfortunate, but I understand why they are doing it,” said David Soveranez after the 12:10 p.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in downtown Santa Fe.
Soveranez said he’s done the pilgrimage to Chimayó – about 26 miles from Santa Fe – many times before, but less frequently as he’s gotten older.
“The walk is supposed to be a sacrifice and suffering for our sins,” he explained. “It’s a very personal thing.”
Each year, tens of thousands of people make the walk to Santuario de Chimayó in Rio Arriba County or climb Tomé Hill in Valencia County on Good Friday as an expression of their devotion to Jesus Christ.
In a separate announcement on Tuesday, the state Department of Transportation and New Mexico State Police also urged people to stay home.
State Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval said the department would not be setting up traffic signs, electronic message boards, safety barrels, lighting and trash receptacles along the routes, as has been done in past years.
“The COVID danger remains and without added safety provisions the risk of injury or death by walking on poorly lit, high-traffic roadways is too great,” he said in a statement. “Please take care and celebrate at home.”
